BJP protests against Greater Bengaluru Authority Act, calls it unconstitutional | Bengaluru News
NEW DELHI: A BJP delegation met Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Wednesday and submitted a memorandum opposing the Greater Bengaluru Authority Act, calling it unconstitutional and detrimental to local governance.
According to an official statement, the party argued that the law would weaken Bengaluru’s municipal administration by consolidating seven municipal corporations under a single governing body.
The BJP contended that the move contradicts the 74th Constitutional Amendment, which guarantees decentralized urban governance and the independence of local bodies.
The memorandum also stated that the Act would grant excessive control to the state government over ward delimitation and election scheduling, potentially delaying the democratic process.
Raising concerns over governance efficiency, BJP leaders said the new system would introduce unnecessary bureaucratic layers, slowing down decision-making and hindering Bengaluru’s development. They also warned that dividing the city into multiple corporations could affect Bengaluru’s cultural identity and reduce the influence of Kannada-speaking communities in governance.
Financial mismanagement was another key issue highlighted. The BJP claimed that fragmenting the city’s administration could lead to unequal fund distribution and hinder equitable development. They cited past failures in Delhi and Kolkata, where similar attempts at dividing municipal corporations were later reversed.
In their memorandum, BJP urged the Governor to reconsider the Act’s constitutional validity and suggested strengthening the existing governance framework instead of adding bureaucratic complexities.
The party also stressed the importance of preserving Bengaluru’s cultural heritage and ensuring governance reforms do not dilute local identities.
The delegation, led by Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly R. Ashoka, BJP Karnataka President B.Y. Vijayendra, and Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, warned that implementing the Act in its current form could lead to administrative and financial challenges. They requested the Governor’s intervention to prevent the law from taking effect.
