{"id":6564,"date":"2025-08-20T08:48:44","date_gmt":"2025-08-20T08:48:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/2025\/08\/20\/undemocratic-congress-bjp-exchange-barbs-in-karnataka-assembly-over-greater-bengaluru-bill-politics-news\/"},"modified":"2025-08-20T08:48:44","modified_gmt":"2025-08-20T08:48:44","slug":"undemocratic-congress-bjp-exchange-barbs-in-karnataka-assembly-over-greater-bengaluru-bill-politics-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/2025\/08\/20\/undemocratic-congress-bjp-exchange-barbs-in-karnataka-assembly-over-greater-bengaluru-bill-politics-news\/","title":{"rendered":"‘Undemocratic’: Congress, BJP Exchange Barbs In Karnataka Assembly Over Greater Bengaluru Bill | Politics News"},"content":{"rendered":"


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The Congress government presented the bill as a means to improve governance in the rapidly growing metropolis, while the BJP accused the Congress of seeking to centralise power.<\/h2>\n
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Dy CM DK Shivakumar speaks in Karnataka Assembly. (Image: PTI)<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n

The Greater Bengaluru Governance (Amendment) Bill, 2025 sparked intense debate in the Karnataka Assembly, with both the ruling Congress and the Opposition BJP clashing over its implications for the city. The Congress government presented the bill as a means to improve governance in the rapidly growing metropolis, while the BJP accused the Congress of seeking to centralise power and diminish the role of elected officials.<\/p>\n

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah rebutted these claims, accusing the Opposition of distorting facts to mislead the public.<\/p>\n

The bill, introduced by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who also oversees Bengaluru Development, was passed by the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Monday. The discussions were marked by heated exchanges, with BJP leaders arguing that the amendment would undermine the autonomy of corporators and concentrate power in a few hands. Congress ministers dismissed these concerns as mere political posturing.<\/p>\n

An amusing moment occurred when MLA Munirathna attempted to disrupt the discussion on the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). Shivakumar quipped, \u201cWe will give you an opportunity to participate, don\u2019t worry. We had forgotten about you as you are busy running around between SIT\u2019s and investigations,” a comment that elicited laughter from the legislators.<\/p>\n

What did Shivakumar say?<\/h2>\n

During the debate, Shivakumar clarified that the amendment aimed to ensure the GBA would not interfere with the operations of municipal corporations. He explained, \u201cSome people filed a PIL alleging the Authority had powers to take control of corporations. Though the court did not accept the PIL, we brought this amendment to prevent any confusion in the future.”<\/p>\n

So why was the amendment made?<\/h2>\n

Shivakumar elaborated that despite the PIL being dismissed, the amendment was necessary to make it clear that \u201cthe GBA will not interfere in the functioning of the corporations” and to prevent future misunderstandings. He emphasized that the amendment was intended to protect the autonomy of the Mayor and councillors as per the Constitution. He also highlighted the disparity in tax contributions, pointing out that areas like Mahadevapura contribute the most taxes in Bengaluru, while central areas collect far less.<\/p>\n

He reassured that Mayors and corporators would retain their constitutional powers. Addressing concerns about the inclusion of villages and financial assistance, Shivakumar noted that constitutional rules limited direct fund transfers. \u201cWe will deliberate on which villages to include and are ready to withdraw the amendment if the Opposition disagrees,” he said.<\/p>\n

Reiterating the government\u2019s non-political stance on governance, Shivakumar stated, \u201cWe do not want to do politics over Bengaluru\u2019s future. The government will not interfere with financial independence, tax collection, elections, or reservation. The 74th amendment has been fully protected.” A notification is expected by August 25, after the Governor\u2019s assent.<\/p>\n

Why is the BJP objecting?<\/h2>\n

The Karnataka BJP strongly opposed the Bill, arguing that it undermines the Constitution\u2019s spirit. Opposition members claimed that the Greater Bengaluru Authority, led by the Chief Minister, was designed to weaken the autonomy of city corporations. \u201cThe Bill is undemocratic and against the spirit of decentralisation,” they argued.<\/p>\n

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok criticised the proposed name \u2018Greater Bengaluru\u2019, suggesting a Kannada name instead. He warned that Kannadigas might lose their political voice in areas with high migrant populations, citing Delhi\u2019s failed experiment with multiple corporations as a cautionary example. He also noted the potential economic disparities due to differing revenue contributions from areas like Mahadevapura.<\/p>\n

The key contention in the Bill<\/h2>\n

A primary point of contention was the proposal to divide Bengaluru into several municipal corporations, which the BJP opposed. The Opposition argued that splitting the city would reduce native Kannadiga control, particularly in migrant-dominated areas. Ashok called it an \u201cemotional issue,” warning the government of long-term repercussions.<\/p>\n

\u201cSecondly, the concept of decentralisation has been damaged and freedom taken away. The corporation should have been independent, but you have made it a parasite by dividing it into five divisions. If one corporation collects good revenue, another will go bankrupt. They will come under the grip of the government,” he said.<\/p>\n

Ashok further criticized the Bill, stating, \u201cFormer PM late Rajiv Gandhi brought the 73rd Amendment to the Constitution, but this Bill goes against its objectives. What benefit will the people of Bengaluru get? This is not decentralisation of power. Since Dy CM Shivakumar is in charge of Bengaluru, there is centralisation of power. We don\u2019t want this. You may have the majority and get it passed, but this is not in the interest of society. Roll back this Bill.”<\/p>\n

Raising concerns over discrimination politicking<\/h2>\n

Other BJP MLAs, including Yelahanka\u2019s SR Vishwanath, cautioned that the Congress-led government might politically discriminate in allocating funds to corporations, especially if different parties controlled the state and civic bodies. They urged the government to wait until the ongoing delimitation exercise was completed to avoid confusion in constituency boundaries.<\/p>\n

Former Deputy CM and MLA CN Ashwath Narayan appealed to Congress MLAs to protect local bodies\u2019 rights. He warned that judicial intervention might become necessary if constitutional objectives were not upheld. He questioned the need for the PIL against the GBA Act and highlighted the importance of local bodies functioning independently as per the Constitution.<\/p>\n

Narayan elaborated, \u201cThe head of the state is the Chief Minister, and the head of the GBA is also the Chief Minister. The freedom and empowerment that should have been given to local bodies are taken away through this Bill. The Greater Bengaluru Governance Act, overall, intends to interfere, and this is evident.”<\/p>\n

He demanded more autonomy for civic bodies, arguing that local bodies should have authority over tax collection. \u201cIf the CM and Dy CM interfere, how will you save democracy?”<\/p>\n

Congress defends the Bill<\/h2>\n

Shivakumar responded to the Opposition, emphasising the need for proper governance in Bengaluru. He invited open discussions, stating, \u201cThere must be clarity in this matter. Bengaluru needs proper governance. Let us discuss this for a full day if needed. Opposition members have more experience than us, and I am ready to accept their suggestions. If there are flaws in our draft, we will correct them. There is no secrecy here. We even formed a House Committee for open discussions.”<\/p>\n

He assured that the government would consider Opposition leaders\u2019 opinions while finalising the bill. \u201cLet us first conduct elections. August 18 was the last date for objections, August 25 is the deadline for the Governor\u2019s assent, and the final notification will be issued on September 2.”<\/p>\n

BJP members questioned the necessity of a GBA headed by the Chief Minister when Mayors already head city corporations. They warned that multiple corporations would create revenue and development imbalances. They also raised concerns about notices sent to 30,000 households demanding additional taxes and accused the Commissioner of bypassing MLAs on various issues.<\/p>\n

Congress leaders defended the Bill, highlighting its importance in addressing Bengaluru\u2019s civic issues. Shivajinagar MLA Rizwan Arshad, who chaired the Joint Committee for GBA, stressed the need for decentralisation due to the city\u2019s diverse problems. Shivakumar rejected claims that the Bill aimed to divide the city, arguing that administrative efficiency required such measures. \u201cThis is only a small amendment for the sake of clarity. The government\u2019s intention is to ensure no interference in the administration of city corporations,” he explained.<\/p>\n

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Rohini Swamy<\/a><\/p>\n

Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18\u2019s digital platform. She has previously worked with t…Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18\u2019s digital platform. She has previously worked with t… Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

News<\/a> politics<\/a> ‘Undemocratic’: Congress, BJP Exchange Barbs In Karnataka Assembly Over Greater Bengaluru Bill<\/span><\/div>\n
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Last Updated:August 20, 2025, 13:04 IST The Congress government presented the bill as a means to improve governance in the rapidly growing metropolis, while the BJP accused the Congress of seeking to centralise power. Dy CM DK Shivakumar speaks in Karnataka Assembly. (Image: PTI) The Greater Bengaluru Governance (Amendment) Bill, 2025 sparked intense debate in…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6565,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[48],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6564","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-politics"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6564","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6564"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6564\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6565"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6564"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6564"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6564"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}