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Key Points

In a fiery address, BJP's R. Ashoka strongly opposed the Congress-led initiative to replace the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike with the Greater Bengaluru Authority. He argued that the new authority undermines Nadaprabhu Kempe Gowda’s vision for a unified city, alleging that it divides Bengaluru and unfairly increases taxes on 110 villages. Ashoka also questioned the role of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the newly formed authority, implying that it may serve personal gains rather than public interest. He promised that BJP would fight this plan legally if they regain power in Karnataka.

Key Points: Ashoka Criticizes Congress Over Bengaluru Authority Replacement

  • Ashoka accuses Congress of betraying Kempe Gowda’s vision
  • Criticizes higher taxes impacting 110 villages
  • Questions Siddaramaiah's role in Greater Bengaluru Authority
3 min read

K'taka BJP opposes replacement of BBMP with Greater Bengaluru Authority

BJP's Ashoka accuses Congress of dividing Bengaluru, vows legal fight against new governance plan.

"If the BJP comes to power, it will work to unify Bengaluru. - R. Ashoka"

Bengaluru, May 15

Opposing the Congress-led government's decision to replace the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) with the newly formed Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), the BJP said on Thursday that it will challenge the move legally when it returns to power in the state.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, the Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka said, “If the BJP comes to power, it will work to unify Bengaluru and fight the Greater Bengaluru plan legally.”

Ashoka further accused the Congress government of turning Bengaluru from "Greater" to "Quarter" Bengaluru. While the founder of Bengaluru, Nadaprabhu Kempe Gowda, built a unified Bengaluru, the Congress government has divided it into three parts, hindering development.

He alleged that higher taxes have been imposed on 110 villages and that the plan was designed to benefit certain landholders, betraying Kempe Gowda’s vision. Dividing Bengaluru will not generate revenue, he argued, as IT-BT hubs are concentrated in one area, leaving others without income.

If three municipal corporations are created, there is no guarantee that Kannadigas will become mayors, Ashoka added.

Since Chief Ministers are not elected from municipal corporations, how can Siddaramaiah be made chairman of the Greater Bengaluru Authority? Ashoka questioned.

He said Siddaramaiah cannot attend municipal meetings, and the BJP opposes Bengaluru’s division. If the BJP comes to power, it will work to unify Bengaluru and fight the Greater Bengaluru plan legally.

Ashoka accused Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar of acting for personal gain. He claimed BDA layouts remain vacant without water or electricity, and the division plan was made to postpone BBMP elections. Garbage piles up across the city, the Mekedatu project remains unimplemented, and the city’s administration is failing, he said. Instead of admitting these failures, Congress has brought this plan, said Ashoka.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that the Governor Thawarchand Gehlot has given assent to the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, and it will come into effect on Thursday.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) will be replaced with the newly formed Greater Bengaluru Authority, said the Chief Minister while speaking to the media at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.

The Greater Bengaluru Bill has been passed in both the Houses of the state legislature, he added.

The Karnataka Government had officially notified the formation of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) on Tuesday, marking the end of the BBMP as the city’s governing body. The state government has announced that the land coming under the BBMP has been notified as the land which will come under the GBA as per Section 1 (2) of the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act, 2024.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Prakash M.
As a Bengalurean for 25 years, I'm deeply concerned about this restructuring. The city already struggles with coordination between multiple agencies. Adding more layers will only create confusion. Why fix what isn't broken? BBMP had issues, but this seems like a political move rather than administrative reform.
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Shweta R.
The BJP's concerns about Kannadigas losing representation are valid. Bengaluru is Karnataka's pride, and local voices must be heard in governance. But let's not make this about parties - we need solutions for traffic, garbage, and water problems! 🤔
R
Rahul K.
Interesting how both sides claim to uphold Kempe Gowda's vision. As someone who studied urban planning, I think decentralization could work IF implemented properly. But the timing does seem suspicious with elections postponed. Transparency is key here!
A
Ananya V.
Instead of political blame games, can we focus on actual problems? My area hasn't had proper garbage collection for weeks! Whether BBMP or GBA, we just want efficient services. The IT capital deserves better civic management. 😤
V
Vikram S.
The tax argument is concerning. Many of us in newly added areas already pay high property taxes but get poor infrastructure. If GBA means better roads and water supply, I'm willing to give it a chance. But the government must deliver on promises.
M
Meena P.
Why is no one talking about public consultation? Such major changes should involve citizen feedback. Bengaluru belongs to its people, not just politicians. We need town halls and white papers before implementing sweeping reforms.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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