Are GBA affairs mismanaged? K'taka BJP criticizes government on inaugural Greater Bengaluru Authority meeting
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Synopsis
In a scathing critique, the Karnataka BJP has accused the Congress-led state government of mismanaging the inaugural meeting of the Greater Bengaluru Authority. With questions surrounding constitutional compliance and development project approvals, the opposition raises serious concerns about governance in Bengaluru.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka BJP criticizes the Congress government for mismanagement of the GBA.
- Concerns about constitutional compliance raised by LoP Ashoka.
- Accusations of the Chief Minister acting as a 'one-man authority'.
- Meeting conducted without proper notice, violating GBA rules.
- Local MLAs excluded from key discussions, raising transparency issues.
Bengaluru, Oct 10 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has strongly condemned the Congress-led state government for conducting the inaugural meeting of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) on Friday, asserting that the operations of the GBA are poorly managed.
During a press conference at the state BJP headquarters -- Jagannath Bhavan in Bengaluru, the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Assembly, R. Ashoka, remarked, "The 74th Constitutional Amendment, which pertains to local governance, appears to have been disregarded."
LoP Ashoka criticized the Congress government, stating that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is personally endorsing development initiatives, functioning as a "one-man authority" in the construction and planning of the new five civic corporations.
He questioned the necessity of having five corporations when the Planning Authority is already overseeing matters.
He pointed out that engineers appointed as CEOs for Bengaluru's infrastructural projects will also manage tenders and oversee constructions, such as metro lines and underpass tunnels.
He ridiculed the process, saying that the Chief Minister effectively makes recommendations to himself, comparing it to a "hand-to-pocket" scheme.
The LoP further argued that the Legislative Council's approval should have been sought and funneled through the Mayor, which is now being overlooked.
He alleged that the current meeting would approve road development projects, rendering the corporations unnecessary.
LoP Ashoka also criticized the Congress administration for using public funds to issue advertisements in all newspapers while local MLAs were excluded from the event, describing it as a constitutional violation.
He claimed that this practice has been prevalent in all Assembly constituencies within the state.
The state government convened the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) meeting on Friday.
LoP Ashoka questioned whether this could truly be labeled a government meeting, emphasizing that the government must adhere to law, order, and the Constitution.
He mentioned that officials notified him about the meeting via phone on Thursday, sent the agenda at noon, and held the meeting at 4 p.m. -- without sufficient notice.
He asserted that notices should have been distributed at least seven days in advance, in line with the GBA regulations.
LoP Ashoka challenged the notion that filling potholes and ensuring smooth vehicle movement equates to development, noting that garbage continues to clutter major roads frequented by buses and other vehicles.
He urged the Congress-led state government to clarify the genuine purpose behind the GBA meeting.
He also lamented that no grants have been allocated in the past two-and-a-half years; despite an announcement of Rs 25 crore three months ago, the funds remain unreleased.
He cited newspaper reports claiming "full-scale development" for Bengaluru, while legislator S. Raghu allegedly stated that government orders have not been issued.
LoP Ashoka inquired about the timeline for approvals, noting that government funds may not become available until December.
He questioned the availability of venues for council meetings, particularly with five corporations planned.
Excluding Bengaluru Central, he asked where a council meeting for 120 individuals could be hosted.
He noted that 20 members are nominated, 40 are officials, and 30 are media personnel, questioning the existence of halls that can accommodate 200 people and whether the meeting adhered to legal standards.
He concluded, "We have fought in the Legislative Council and have now filed a PIL following legal protocols."
Present at the media briefing were legislators S.R. Vishwanath, S. Muniraju, S. Raghu; Legislative Council member Gopinath Reddy; and BJP district presidents S. Hareesh (Bengaluru North) and Sapthagiri Gowda (Bengaluru Central).
Point of View
It is imperative to observe that political tensions are escalating within Karnataka, emphasizing the need for adherence to constitutional mandates and effective governance. The criticisms levied by the BJP against the Congress-led government highlight a broader discourse on local governance and accountability. It is crucial for all stakeholders to engage constructively to ensure the betterment of Bengaluru's infrastructure and civic amenities.
NationPress
11/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Greater Bengaluru Authority?
The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) is a governing body responsible for overseeing urban development and infrastructure projects in Bengaluru.
Why did the Karnataka BJP criticize the GBA meeting?
The Karnataka BJP criticized the GBA meeting for alleged mismanagement, lack of constitutional compliance, and the exclusion of local MLAs in the decision-making process.
What are the concerns raised by LoP Ashoka?
LoP Ashoka raised concerns regarding the approval process for projects, the necessity of multiple corporations, and the government's use of public funds for advertisements.
How was the meeting conducted?
The meeting was conducted without adequate notice, with details shared only a few hours prior to the event, which LoP Ashoka described as unconstitutional.
What implications do these criticisms have for the Congress government?
These criticisms could undermine the Congress government's credibility and raise questions about its governance effectiveness in Bengaluru.
