The Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Tuesday approved the Greater Bengaluru Governance (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced on social media.
The amendment formally establishes the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) while safeguarding the autonomy of municipal corporations, a key demand from the Opposition and civic stakeholders. Shivakumar noted that the reform aims to enhance clarity, transparency, and decentralisation in the city’s administration.
The Bill makes it explicit that the GBA will not interfere with the functioning of local corporations. Mayors and corporators will continue to exercise full constitutional powers, including taxation rights, elections, financial independence, and reservations — all secured under the 74th Amendment.
The amendment comes after the 2024 Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, which had proposed splitting the BBMP into multiple corporations under a centralised GBA chaired by the Chief Minister. That move drew heavy resistance from the BJP, civic groups, and the public, who argued it undermined local self-governance and risked diluting Bengaluru’s identity. The Governor had even returned the Bill seeking clarifications.
To address these concerns and avoid potential litigation, the new amendment clarifies that the GBA will act only as a coordinating body, not a supervisory authority. Shivakumar stressed that no government in the future will be able to misuse the GBA framework to override elected representatives.
“We are open to constructive suggestions from the Opposition because Bengaluru’s progress is above politics. This Bill is meant to deliver governance that is accountable, fair, and future-ready,” Shivakumar wrote on X.