Bengaluru: Janata Dal (Secular) staged a protest Saturday against the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, accusing the Congress govt of attempting to benefit the real estate mafia and divide Kannadigas for political control.
Party workers gathered at Freedom Park, opposing the plan to restructure Bengaluru’s administration. The protesters were detained by police when they attempted to march onto the streets and were taken to an undisclosed location.
JD(S) city unit president HM Ramesh Gowda, leading the protest, alleged that the bill’s primary intent is to “facilitate land scams and turn Kannadigas into outsiders in their city.” He demanded an immediate withdrawal of the bill.
The party has vowed to submit a petition to governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, urging him to reject the proposed legislation. It warned of intensified protests, including demonstrations with black badges at public events attended by chief minister Siddaramaiah, DCM DK Shivakumar and Congress MLAs, if the govt refuses to roll back the bill.
“Even before summer has fully set in, Bengaluru is already facing a severe water crisis. The cost of a water tanker has skyrocketed to Rs 5,000-6,000. People are struggling daily, and the Congress govt’s misgovernance is to blame,” Gowda alleged.
He criticized the govt for burdening people with an additional Rs 43,000 crore debt since taking office.
JD(S) also warned of major protests if the govt hikes milk prices. It demanded higher incentives for farmers instead.
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We are not breaking Bengaluru; we are strengthening it. As a global city, it needs faster decision-making, and managing it with just one commissioner and one chief engineer is impossible. The Greater Bengaluru Bill ensures efficiency, accountability, and better governance
-DK Shiva Kumar, deputy CM, at assembly session