Why are Karnataka BJP MLAs Opposing the Tunnel Project and City Division?

Bengaluru, July 26 (NationPress) During a meeting held on Saturday, Karnataka BJP MLAs from Bengaluru expressed their firm opposition to the Congress-led government’s ambitious tunnel initiative and the proposed segmentation of Bengaluru city.

The session was led by Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, R. Ashoka, alongside BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra.

After the meeting, R. Ashoka informed the media, saying, “The division of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is purely a strategy to secure electoral success for the Congress party rather than a move for the city's advancement. We are against the plan to split Bengaluru into five corporations, as this could lead to conflicts between them, jeopardizing the city's interests.”

“We have initiated legal action, with petitions submitted to both the High Court and the Supreme Court,” he noted.

Ashoka stressed, “We are dedicated to keeping Bengaluru united and preventing its division. This government is disregarding the people's wishes. There has been no demand for the division of Bengaluru. The Congress is aware that maintaining the BBMP in its current form poses a threat to their election prospects, which is why they are advocating for this division. They have increased taxes on numerous items, hoping to win at least two corporations to present to Rahul Gandhi.”

Commenting on the tunnel project, Ashoka stated, “We support development and have no issue with the concept of a tunnel road. However, a blacklisted company has been allowed to draft the Detailed Project Report (DPR). This company, previously penalized for copying details from another project, should have been disqualified from further responsibilities worth ₹7 to ₹8 crore.”

“This scheme appears to be a cover for illicit funds. Proposed toll charges of ₹700 to ₹800 for the tunnel road are exorbitant. Only owners of luxury vehicles can afford this, leaving ordinary citizens excluded. We vehemently oppose this exploitation,” he asserted.

Ashoka raised safety concerns as well, noting that an underground Metro is already under construction in Bengaluru. “If the tunnel road is built below it, it could pose serious safety risks. We shouldn't make Bengaluru vulnerable,” he warned.

He also highlighted a controversy regarding the Hebbal flyover, mentioning that there are 45 acres available with the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB).

“The Metro was supposed to acquire this land, but the government has allocated only 9 acres to benefit a private interest. The Hebbal junction is crucial, and we will raise these concerns in the upcoming session,” Ashoka stated.

In a media address following the meeting, BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra remarked, “Today we deliberated on various critical issues facing Bengaluru. Despite Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar holding power, there is a lack of scientific planning for the city’s development.”

“Projects such as the underground tunnel road and the bifurcation of BBMP into five zones do not serve the city’s best interests. Similar efforts in metropolitan areas like Mumbai have proven unsuccessful. The Congress government is committing a serious injustice by pursuing this plan, and the BJP has opposed it from the outset and will continue to do so,” Vijayendra declared.

He also alleged that tenders for the tunnel project are being rushed without adequate discussion or scientific scrutiny.

“They have allowed blacklisted companies to undertake the project. If the Congress government and Shivakumar are so eager, it raises significant doubts about their motives, whether they truly prioritize public welfare or have alternative interests,” Vijayendra stated.

Highlighting another pressing issue, he noted, “Thousands of homes are ready for occupancy, but NOCs have not been issued, creating a perplexing and frustrating situation. Neither the state government nor Deputy CM Shivakumar is taking this matter seriously. We had a comprehensive discussion on this today.”