MLA Somashekhar takes over as BDA chief

After a long wait and confusion, Yeshwantpur MLA S T Somashekhar took charge as chairman of Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) on Thursday.

His appointment was not less than a celebration at the BDA head office. An hour-long puja at the chairman’s office. Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwar, MLA N A Harris, K R Puram MLA Byrathi Basavaraj, Additional Chief Secretary Mahendra Jain and BDA Commissioner Rakesh Singh, scores of followers, fans and other party allies greeted him.

A grand feast breakfast and lunch was hosted for people. Government order banning the use of plastic bottles on government office premises were ignored. The bottles were seen strewn everywhere.

Visitors thronged with huge floral bouquets, shawls, Mysuru Peta and floral garlands. But the highlight was the apple garland, which needed two people to handle it.

Chief unaware of works

Speaking to media Somashekhar said he was posted following All India Congress Committee orders. Expressing ignorance about BDA’s ongoing works, he said he was only aware of the Kempegowda Layout, as a part of it was in his constituency. Replying to queries on cash-starved BDA, peripheral ring road, the formation of Shivaram Karanth Layout, steel flyover and master plan, he said: “I will do all the works after consulting the deputy chief minister (DyCM) and chief minister (CM).” Despite being a BDA board member for five years he said he was unaware of developments and so he needed the guidance of DyCM and CM for all subjects.