Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Mar 27: The Karnataka BJP has strongly opposed the Congress-led government’s push for the Greater Bengaluru Project, alleging that the initiative is being pursued with a hidden agenda that could jeopardize the city’s growth.

The criticism follows Governor Thawarchand Gehlot’s decision to return the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, 2025, raising concerns over its implications.

BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra emphasized Bengaluru’s historical legacy of development, tracing back to its founder Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, and called for a bipartisan approach to urban planning. He suggested that instead of political maneuvering, a comprehensive plan should be created by consulting senior politicians, retired officials, and experienced public representatives.

Vijayendra warned that the Greater Bengaluru Project could worsen economic and developmental disparities, leading to imbalanced urban expansion. He accused the Congress government of being influenced by external interests, stating that such a move would hinder the city’s progress.

Urging the government to reconsider, he called for transparent discussions with all stakeholders. He criticized the defeatist mentality surrounding Bengaluru’s governance and stressed the need for a well-structured plan that protects the city's heritage while fostering modernization.

The Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, passed during the recent budget session, proposes dividing Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) into a maximum of seven city corporations. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has championed the project as a flagship initiative of his government.

Governor Gehlot, however, has questioned the rationale behind splitting BBMP into seven divisions, citing the failure of a similar experiment in Delhi. He has also pointed out that the bill could weaken the authority of local elected bodies, violating provisions of the 74th Constitutional Amendment. The Governor returned the bill, requesting further clarifications from the state government.

Additionally, the Governor has reportedly received petitions opposing the bill from opposition leaders, organizations, and concerned citizens, further complicating the bill’s future.