Synopsis
On March 11, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy heavily criticized the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, asserting that Congress, which divided India, is now fragmenting Bengaluru. He emphasized this legislation aims to loot rather than decentralize power, while Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar defends the bill as necessary for governance.Key Takeaways
- H.D. Kumaraswamy criticizes Congress for fragmentation.
- The Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill aims to decentralize governance.
- Concerns over the true intentions behind the bill.
- Deputy Chief Minister defends the bill as necessary for development.
- Calls for better management of Bengaluru's growth.
Bengaluru, March 11 (NationPress) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, criticized the Karnataka government's approval of the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, asserting that the Congress first divided a united India and is now fracturing Bengaluru city.
In a post on the social media platform X, Kumaraswamy stated, “The Congress has no equal when it comes to dividing and dismantling! For 75 years, this has been their modus operandi. The Congress' strategy is inherently Divide and Rule.”
Kumaraswamy emphasized, “In the past: It split an undivided India! Presently: It is fragmenting Bengaluru city!!”
He further criticized Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, implying that “the only aim is to obliterate the legacy of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, the founder of Bengaluru. The term Greater Bengaluru is merely a facade. The genuine intention is solely to plunder.”
Kumaraswamy asserted, “This is not a true decentralization of power and development. It is merely a decentralization of loot.”
“Historical looters like Muhammad Ghazni and Muhammad Ghori ravaged a thriving India. Now, a modern-day Ghazni or Ghori has emerged in Bengaluru, seeking every opportunity to plunder!!” he remarked.
The Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill 2024, designed to decentralize the governance of Bengaluru city by creating several corporations, was passed in the Legislative Assembly on Monday amidst an Opposition walkout.
“The current structure of Bengaluru is challenging to manage, even acknowledged by Opposition members. The city has expanded far beyond the limits established by its founder Kempe Gowda and reversing this is not feasible,” stated Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who also oversees Bengaluru Development.
“Our goal is to guide Bengaluru into a new era. We aspire to transform Bengaluru into a global city with this legislation. It is a significant Bill. Given the rapid growth of the city, a single commissioner and chief engineer cannot effectively govern it. To accommodate future demands, we are establishing seven corporations,” he explained.
“We are not attempting to dismantle Bengaluru, but rather to bolster it. We aim to preserve the city's esteemed reputation. Bengaluru is a global city attracting individuals from all corners of the globe,” he added.
“Previously, Bengaluru district was split into three districts. Udupi was formed from Dakshina Kannada, and districts like Gadag and Haveri were established. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is being divided to enhance governance,” he mentioned.
“Some believe that funding might be an issue due to this decentralization. According to the 75th Amendment, local body funds cannot be reassigned. The Bill also ensures that the government supports financially weaker local bodies,” he concluded.
