Senior BJP leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, the Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council, called on the state government to follow the Supreme Court’s directive and organize elections for the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). Narayanaswamy accused the Congress government of stalling the polls due to concerns about potential defeat, highlighting issues like poor infrastructure, road conditions, garbage problems, and flooding in Bengaluru. He criticized the government’s move to split Bengaluru into five city corporations under the GBA framework, alleging it was a tactic to enhance electoral chances.
Narayanaswamy also criticized the state government’s decision to delay the civic elections by seeking an extension from the Supreme Court, citing the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls as a reason. He defended the revision process, emphasizing its aim to eliminate ineligible names from the voter lists, including those of deceased individuals and those lacking valid documentation. The BJP leader raised concerns about group filling of forms during the SIR exercise and called for thorough door-to-door verification by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and Booth Level Agents (BLA-2s).
Addressing Bengaluru’s infrastructure issues, Narayanaswamy accused the Congress government of neglecting the city’s development over the past three years. He urged immediate action to repair potholes, enhance drainage systems, and address garbage disposal before the monsoon season worsened. Narayanaswamy also alleged corruption in road repair projects, pointing out a significant rise in costs for pothole repairs and calling for an investigation into the matter. Additionally, he stressed the need for the government to focus on the overall development of the state, not just Bengaluru.
