Karnataka BJP Leaders Request CM for Rs 15,000 Crore Special Grant for Bengaluru Before Budget Presentation

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Karnataka BJP Leaders Request CM for Rs 15,000 Crore Special Grant for Bengaluru Before Budget Presentation

Synopsis

A Karnataka BJP delegation has requested a special grant of Rs 15,000 crore from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for Bengaluru ahead of the 2025-26 budget presentation. The demand aims to support ongoing and new development projects within the city.

Key Takeaways

  • BJP delegation meets CM Siddaramaiah.
  • Request for Rs 15,000 crore special grant.
  • Focus on city development before 2025-26 budget.
  • Proposals for parking complexes and road improvements.
  • Concerns over funding disparity for Bengaluru.

Bengaluru, Feb 28 (NationPress) A delegation from the Karnataka BJP, led by the Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka and State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra, presented a memorandum to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah prior to the unveiling of the 2025-26 budget, advocating for a special grant of Rs 15,000 crore dedicated solely to Bengaluru.

CM Siddaramaiah is set to deliver the budget for the financial year 2025-26 on March 7. The Assembly's Budget Session will commence on March 3.

The delegation, which included BJP MLAs, MLCs, and MPs such as Tejasvi Surya, President of the National Yuva Morcha and Bengaluru South MP, alongside Rajya Sabha members from Bengaluru, met with CM Siddaramaiah at his official residence, Cauvery, in Bengaluru on Friday.

The group urged the government to earmark the special grant in the budget to accelerate ongoing development initiatives and commence new projects in Bengaluru. They also called for an allocation of Rs 150 crore for each Assembly constituency.

The BJP emphasized the necessity of constructing at least 100 vehicle parking complexes in the city to tackle ongoing parking challenges.

Pointing out severe traffic congestion on Hebbal Road leading to Bengaluru International Airport, the delegation stressed the importance of developing parallel approach roads to the airport. They insisted on establishing a second route from Bagaluru and Begur to the airport.

Furthermore, the BJP sought separate funding to ensure that Bengaluru's roads are free from potholes. Party leaders argued that the deteriorating state of the city's roads is damaging the state's reputation and jeopardizing lives.

Vijayendra remarked, “The Congress-led government has initiated the ‘Brand Bengaluru’ concept to elevate the city's image. However, substantial development is vital to realize this concept. Bengaluru has 16 MLAs and three Lok Sabha representatives. We are dedicated to the city's progress and separate politics from developmental issues.”

He further criticized the state government, asserting that since taking office in 2023, various circumstances have contributed to a funding shortage for the city's development initiatives.

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka added, “Bengaluru contributes over 60 percent of the state's revenue, which finances a significant part of government schemes. Nonetheless, the funding allocated to the city is disproportionately low relative to the revenue it generates.”

Over the past two years, due to insufficient funds, not even minor development tasks have been executed in Bengaluru. Three months prior, the government allocated a Rs 10 crore grant for constituencies, a figure deemed inadequate given the city's requirements.

The BJP delegation honored CM Siddaramaiah at his office before presenting their memorandum.