Bengaluru‘s citizen activism is gaining traction as multiple groups, under the collective banner Bengaluru Town Hall, gear up to legally challenge the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill (GBGB). Activists argue that the bill undermines the 74th Constitutional Amendment, which empowers local self-governance.
Legal Action and Key Concerns
At a meeting on Saturday, attended by civic experts and actor-director Prakash Belawadi, strategies were discussed to halt the bill’s implementation. The coalition also plans to contest major infrastructure projects like the Tunnel Road, Elevated Corridor, Double Decker Flyover, and Sky Deck, citing environmental and governance concerns.
Belawadi, vocal on the issue, stated on Instagram that the group seeks urgent court intervention against what they call “hurried and undemocratic” city governance decisions.
Citizen Opposition and Public Awareness
Civic activist Sandeep Anirudhan referenced a 2023 Supreme Court observation that criticized Bengaluru’s urban mismanagement. Senior citizens at the meeting expressed fears that the Tunnel Road project could endanger Bengaluru’s water security.
To educate the public, the group plans a social media awareness campaign, including short videos explaining the bill’s implications.
What is the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill?
The GBGB proposes restructuring the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) by dividing it into up to seven city corporations under a new Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). The GBA would be led by the Chief Minister as its chairperson, with the Bengaluru Development Minister as the vice-chairperson. The bill also extends the Mayor and Deputy Mayor’s tenure to 30 months.
With concerns over centralization of power, activists remain firm in their opposition, setting the stage for a legal battle over Bengaluru’s governance future.
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