Bengaluru: Despite having the numbers to block it, opposition BJP and JD(S) failed to stall the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, 2024, in the legislative council, drawing criticism from civic activists and residents.
The bill, passed in the assembly Monday, sets the stage for restructuring Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike allowing its division into up to seven municipal corporations. However, the final hurdle for the govt is securing the governor’s assent, a crucial yet uncertain step.
Though BJP and JD(S) reportedly discussed strategies to block the bill, their lack of consensus led to its smooth passage. The current council composition includes Congress (33 members), BJP (29), JD(S) (7), one Independent, and four vacancies. A united BJP-JD(S) front could have potentially stalled the bill, as seen in previous instances when opposition alliances pushed such proposals to a select committee.
Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, who tabled the bill, defended the move, stating it aims to streamline Bengaluru’s administration. He said financially weaker corporations would receive state assistance. With the bill now cleared in both houses, the govt will seek the governor’s assent for it to become law.
The bill establishes Greater Bengaluru Authority for overall coordination, with CM as ex-officio chairperson and the minister for Bengaluru development or an appointed representative as the vice-chairperson. The mayoral tenure has been extended from 1 year to 30 months to ensure continuity in governance.
Opposition leader in the council, Chalavadi Narayanswamy, criticised the bill, saying, “Earlier, the govt formed BBMP adding 110 villages and city municipal corporations to make Bengaluru truly a Greater Bengaluru. However, now the government is attempting to divide Bengaluru into many pieces, which is not good for the city, which has gained international importance.”
JD(S) MLC TA Saravana called for development without splitting the city. He demanded direct mayoral elections. “Why can’t one corporation develop the city while there is one Prime Minister for the entire nation? Presently, there is no coordination among various civic agencies, and it will become more difficult if Bengaluru gets seven corporations,” Sharavana said.
BJP MLC CT Ravi alleged the bill gives excessive power to the GBA and would create confusion. He criticised the proposal to create a special purpose vehicle for largescale projects, arguing it could undermine the elected municipal bodies. “This bill goes against the views and ideas of Bengaluru founder Kempe Gowda,” he said.
Another BJP MLC, HS Gopinath, argued GBA’s jurisdiction over existing BBMP limits would not be beneficial unless more areas were included in Greater Bengaluru. Congress MLCs MR Seetharam and Umasree demanded reservations for backward classes and other communities in ward committee appointments.
Shivakumar allayed opposition fears, saying, “This bill is not about fragmenting Bengaluru but about making it stronger. The members of both houses, including the opposition, have given various good suggestions, and we will accept them. I have already moved for an amendment after MB Patil and Ashwath Narayana gave some valid suggestions.”