Bengaluru to get 5 corporations, elections soon, says DK Shivakumar

Karnataka deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru development minister DK Shivakumar on July 15 said that five new corporations would be created under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and elections for them would be held soon.

A lot of political heat has been generated on the state government’s plan to re-organise  Bengaluru’s civic governance. Bengaluru city, being run by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), will be reorganized into five distinct municipal corporations under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). The five corporations will be Bengaluru North, East, West, Central, and South.

“A committee led by MLA Rizwan Arshad has been formed to work on this. Some may publicly oppose it but administratively, it is essential,” he said at a KPCC meeting in Bengaluru.

Shivakumar stressed that the move would help decentralise administration and also empower party workers. “We’ve decided that when the corporations are formed, our workers must be given more recognition and responsibility. I alone cannot bring the Congress to power. You are the lifeblood of this government. While decisions may be taken in Vidhana Soudha, you are the true ambassadors of the party. The future of Bengaluru - and the 2028 elections - lies in your hands,” he said.

Also read: Bengaluru may get five corporations within existing BBMP limits

He added that the government will soon decide on ward boundaries and reservations. “Only those who stay connected with people can win. Keep working at the booth level. Inform municipal officials and I will ensure you receive Guarantee Committee ID cards to carry out door-to-door campaigns,” he told workers.

Shivakumar said the Congress government is spending nearly 25 percent of the state budget on welfare - Rs 50,000 crore on guarantees, Rs 19,000 crore on free power for farmers, and Rs 11,000 crore on pensions. “Remind people of this commitment,” he said.

Shivakumar warned ticket aspirants not to rely on lobbying. “Only grassroots work will be rewarded,” he said, urging party workers to actively engage in guarantee conferences and outreach efforts.

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