Govt ready to bail BBMP out of financial mess: CM

 Blaming the previous BJP government for the financial problems faced by the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday said that the State government would bail the Palike out.

Replying to a question by Tara Anuradha (nominated) in the Legislative Council, Siddaramaiah said the government had made budgetary allocation for the BBMP. “We have allocated Rs 1,586 crore in the budget and Rs 900 crore has already been released and another Rs 300 crore will be released soon. In addition to this, Rs 250 crore has been earmarked for providing water to 110 villages in BBMP limits,” he said.
Earlier, when Tara raised the question during the question hour, asking  why the State government cannot help the BBMP which is mortgaging its property, Leader of the Opposition Sadananada Gowda said that it was the duty of the government to help the BBMP.

He reminded the State government that the BJP government had allocated funds for development of the City every year. “Why can’t the government help? Are you playing politics because the BBMP is ruled by BJP,” he asked.

The chief minister said: “You (BJP) have released more money to the BBMP, that’s why the roads are like this. We (Cong) are repairing roads after you destroyed them. What kind of roads you have laid?”

Stating that BBMP had taken a loan of Rs 3,420 crore, of which Rs 568 crore has been repaid. “Today you speak of poor condition of roads. You are responsible for it.”
Pointing out that the BBMP has Rs 3,000 crore arrears, he said, “Because of this, no contractor is ready to take up works for the BBMP. In the future, we will not allow BBMP to take loans. They have to utilise their resources for development works,” he said.