Bengaluru: Citing administrative chaos, financial mismanagement, Guv nixes Greater Bengaluru Bill

Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot has put a temporary halt to the Karnataka government's ambitious Greater Bengaluru project by returning the bill passed in both houses. The Governor has sought an explanation regarding concerns raised by opposition groups, effectively delaying the government's plans.

Also read: Karnataka Council passes Greater Bengaluru Bill; DKS stresses deliberations

The bill, which aims to restructure the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), proposes the division of the city into seven municipal corporations, each with its own mayor, replacing the existing single-mayor governance system. It also includes an expansion of Bengaluru’s boundaries, incorporating surrounding panchayat villages, including those in Ramanagara, and extending the mayoral term.

However, strong objections have emerged from a BJP delegation and Town Hall Bangalore representatives, who argue that the project could lead to administrative chaos, financial mismanagement, and interference in the powers of elected local bodies. The Town Hall delegation presented 37 points of opposition, alleging that the project could worsen Bengaluru's existing governance problems.

Concerns include accusations of financial misuse within the municipal corporation and dissatisfaction over the division of the city. Detractors fear that breaking BBMP into multiple corporations could weaken central administration rather than improve governance.

With the Governor demanding clarifications, the fate of the Greater Bengaluru project remains uncertain. The government will now have to address these objections before resubmitting the bill for approval.