BJP opposes Bengaluru Authority Act, citing unconstitutionality

A delegation from the BJP met with the governor of Karnataka on Wednesday. They submitted a memorandum regarding the Greater Bengaluru Authority Act, which they claim is unconstitutional. The party argues the new law will weaken local governance in Bengaluru. The Act plans to restructure Bengaluru's administration by creating seven municipal corporations under one governing body. The BJP believes this contradicts the 74th Constitutional Amendment, which supports decentralized local governance. They argue that more state control over ward delimitation and elections will slow down the democratic process. BJP leaders worry that the new system will introduce multiple layers of decision-making, making governance more complicated. They say dividing the city into multiple corporations could hurt Bengaluru's cultural identity and lessen the influence of Kannada-speaking residents. Another concern is financial mismanagement. The BJP fears that having several corporations might lead to uneven distribution of funds, which could hinder fair development across the city. They also recalled past failed attempts to divide municipal corporations in Delhi and Kolkata, which later returned to a single governing structure. In their memorandum, the BJP requested the Governor reconsider the Act and check its constitutional alignment. They emphasized the importance of enhancing the existing governance system rather than creating new bureaucratic frameworks. The delegation, led by KLA R. Ashoka, B.Y. Vijayendra, and Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, warned of potential administrative and financial challenges if the Act is enforced as it stands. They urged the Governor to take action against its implementation.