Govt all set to challenge HC’s poll order in SC as Raghu panel submits report on new BBMP law to assembly
BENGALURU:
If a combative state government succeeds in getting the High Court’s order calling for BBMP elections to the existing 198 wards overturned in the Supreme Court, the two individuals who will be rubbing their hands with glee will be the next Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Reason: Under the proposed BBMP Act 2020, the two — obviously from the party that comes to power in the polls under the new Act — will have a ‘deliciously’ long stint of 30 months each!
It also means that during the BBMP Council’s five-year, or 60-month, tenure, the city will have just 2 Mayors/Deputy Mayors, as compared to 5 such duos in the existing set-up.
In furtherance of the state government’s plans for Bengaluru, the chairman of the joint committee set up by the state legislature, CV Raman Nagar MLA S Raghu, tabled his report in the legislative assembly on Wednesday.
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Proposed 243 wards
According to the report, apart from the lengthier terms for the Mayor/Deputy Mayor, the number of wards is proposed to be increased from 198 to 243 — in the process expanding the geographical limits of BBMP.
According to the proposed law, no ward shall be divided among two or more assembly constituencies. The wards shall be within the jurisdiction of the same assembly constituency. Each ward will have a ‘Prant Sabha’ (ward committee).
“The Raghu committee’s report has given a clear indication that the new BBMP Act will be implemented soon. And the state government is all set to challenge the recent Karnataka High Court order, which directed the state government to hold BBMP elections to (the existing)198 wards, in the Supreme Court,” an insider who was involved in the framing of the report told thebengalurulive.
‘Chief Commissioner’
As per the report, the BBMP Commissioner’s post will be upgraded to Chief Commissioner for Bengaluru city. The Raghu committee has also recommended further empowering zonal commissioners who will be in charge of the day-to-day activities in their respective zones.
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