• Source:JND
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The Karnataka Assembly witnessed an uproar on Monday as it approved the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, a move that could lead to the restructuring of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) into multiple city corporations. The decision has faced continuous criticism from opposition parties.

Karnataka’s Leader of Opposition, R. Ashoka, accused Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar of attempting to "destroy Bengaluru." He also criticised the bill for centralising power in the hands of the chief minister and undermining local governance as cited in Hindustan Times

The ruling Congress, which pushed forward the bill, encountered stiff resistance from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Why Is the Opposition Criticising the Bill?

R. Ashoka has strongly opposed the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, arguing that it violates the 74th Amendment of the Constitution. He warned that the proposed legislation would concentrate power with the chief minister, sidelining elected local bodies.

The bill, which has been reviewed by a joint select committee, seeks to establish a Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) with the chief minister as its head. This authority would have sweeping administrative, planning, and executive control over the city, effectively overriding the existing BBMP structure.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who oversees Bengaluru’s development, strongly advocated for the bill’s passage. However, Ashoka accused him of jeopardising the city’s governance model.

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BJP leaders, including R. Ashoka, have raised concerns about the bill’s impact on Bengaluru’s Kannada identity.

"In 2006, we expanded BBMP when Kannadigas were becoming a minority in the city. Had we not done so, Bengaluru could have turned into a Union Territory. We integrated villages into the city to preserve its character," Ashoka said.

"But now, under this new system, what will happen to Kannada in Bengaluru East? We may not even have Kannada-speaking mayors anymore," he remarked.

His comments reflect the BJP’s broader concerns that the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill could dilute local representation and weaken the role of Kannada-speaking leaders in city administration.

DK Shivakumar Emphasises Public Welfare

The bill proposes the creation of a Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), headed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, with administrative, planning, and executive powers over the city.

Defending the bill, Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar said it aims to strengthen the state capital. "We are making Bengaluru stronger. We want proper administration for the city. The CM will head the Greater Bengaluru Authority, and we will have options to create more corporations. We have not disturbed the 74th and 75th Amendments," he told the media.