On Monday, the Karnataka Assembly approved the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill. This legislation was introduced by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who oversees Bengaluru’s development.

Shivakumar emphasized that the aim is to decentralize authority and administrative functions. “We are not undermining Bengaluru, as some opposition members have claimed. Rather, we are fortifying it. Our goal is to make Bengaluru more robust,” he asserted.

The deputy chief minister mentioned that this initiative has been launched to provide Bengaluru with fresh direction.

However, the Bill encountered strong opposition from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) within the Karnataka Assembly.

What is the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill?

Here are five essential points regarding the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill:

BJP’s Response to the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill

Countering DK Shivakumar’s remarks, Leader of the Opposition, R Ashoka, stated that the Bill is a slight to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who aimed to empower local bodies.

R Ashoka argued that the Congress party is laying the groundwork for other local bodies to make similar demands for division into multiple segments.

“Dividing,” Ashoka asserted.

During the discussion, Yelahanka BJP MLA SR Vishwanath stated, “Since the Chief Commissioner has managed the BBMP for many years without an elected body, what is the purpose of division? If you truly desire decentralization, conduct elections and establish an elected body to effectively govern the city.”

He further mentioned that if the government is serious about forming Greater Bengaluru, it should occur following the delimitation of Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies.

“We are willing to support you in enhancing its administration, but do not divide Bengaluru,” Vishwanath concluded.