JD(S) opposed to division of BBMP

The Janata Dal (Secular) is opposed to the bifurcation or trifurcation of the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).

Revealing his party’s stand over the ongoing debate on splitting the Palike into two or three municipal bodies, the floor leader of the JD (S) in the BBMP Council, R Prakash told reporters here on Friday that his party believed that the City founded by Nadaprabhu Kempegowda should not be divided just to benefit politicians or bureaucrats. 

“The best way of doing things is to decentralise powers. JD(S) also believes that instead of appointing the KAS officers, the government should consider appointing IAS officers to the BBMP,” said Prakash.

While the government has not even considered birfurcation or trifurcation of the BBMP, some ministers are talking about the need for the division of the municipal corporation, said Prakash, adding that the government should make its stand clear.

Prakash urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to release Rs 1,600 crore as announced him during the Legislature session in Belgaum, in the wake of poor financial condition of the BBMP and the crumbling civic infrastructure in Bangalore.

“The BBMP contractors are on the verge of committing suicide due to non-payment of their dues. The government should immediately release the money to keep the BBMP afloat,” said Prakash.

Referring to the lack of funds for granting medical assistance to economically weaker sections, Prakaswh said the Palike had received 4,000 applications for monetary aid and the civic agency had nod taken any decision on them.

He said he would launch a hunger strike if funds were not released soon.