Bengaluru: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), civic body that is responsible to maintain city roads and other basic infrastructure, has entered its fourth year without elected representatives. This is the longest time that that city’s civic authority has worked under bureaucratic supervision. The absence of elected representatives since 2020 is adversely affecting the works performed by the civic body.
After heavy rains battered the city and left several areas of the city heavily flooded, anguished citizens took to social media and demanded BBMP elections to be held at the earliest. Many city residents shared a link of an online petition and asked Bengalurians to sign it and demand BBMP elections. A X user said, “Our city is not functioning the way it should. Demand BBMP elections now!”
Our city is not functioning the way it should. Demand BBMP elections now! Sign Now: https://t.co/QQDM9pxfFp #ConductBBMPElection @Jhatkaadotorg @DKShivakumar @siddaramaiah pic.twitter.com/HJskw235AN
— Deep (@deep_052009) October 22, 2024
2730039 has been trending on X for some time now. Another Bengaluru resident tweeted, “Decentralization is crucial for both development and execution. The BBMP elections have been overdue for a long time. It’s essential to hold the elections first.”
Decentralization is crucial for both development and execution. The BBMP elections have been overdue for a long time. It’s essential to hold the elections first.
— Kesava (@KesavaReddy) October 22, 2024
Meanwhile, another person said, “We have a “strong and powerful” minister for the city already. What we need is local governance. It’s time we asked for BBMP elections to be held. The closer the level of government is to people, the easier it is to approach and raise issues. Master plan + local implementation.”
Civic infrastructure in shatters, residents suffer
Bengaluru is constantly battling issues like damaged roads, potholes, waterlogging, malfunctioning streetlights, uncollected garbage, clogged drains, and building violations as the BBMP fails to perform its duty in a time bound manner. This is forcing the citizens to demand BBMP elections at the earliest.
Before this, the Citizens’ Movement, East Bengaluru,in June launched a 100-day social media campaign demanding the civic body elections. Many RWAs in Bengaluru extended their support the initiative and asked Deputy CM DK Shivakumar to schedule the elections.
