Tue Mar 18 16:23:58 UTC 2025: **Bengaluru Governance Bill Defended Amidst Civic Opposition**

BENGALURU, March 18, 2025 – The Brand Bengaluru Committee (BBC), the architect of the controversial Greater Bengaluru Governance (GBG) Bill, 2024, has vigorously defended the recently passed legislation against accusations of violating India’s 74th Constitutional Amendment. The Bill, which establishes a Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) to oversee city development, has faced strong opposition from civic groups who claim it grants excessive power to the state government.

A delegation from the Bengaluru Town Hall, led by actor-activist Prakash Belawadi, recently met with the Governor urging him to withhold assent. They argued that the GBA, chaired by the Chief Minister, undermines local governance.

However, BBC chairman B.S. Patil countered these claims in an interview with The Hindu. He described the GBA’s role as primarily coordinating various city agencies like BWSSB, BESCOM, and BMTC, currently excluded from city planning, to create a unified development plan. He insisted that individual corporations will retain their autonomy, preparing their own plans and submitting them to the GBA for integration. The GBA, he emphasized, will not dictate individual corporation functions.

Patil further explained that the inclusion of these agencies addresses a significant gap in Bengaluru’s current governance structure, citing the lack of consultation in the 2007 Master Plan as an example. He highlighted the creation of a Bengaluru Metropolitan Planning Committee (BMPC) which will oversee the GBA’s plans and allows Mayors to object to or modify GBA proposals. The BMPC, he stated, will have final approval authority.

BBC member V. Ravichandar compared the GBA to an orchestra conductor, ensuring coordinated city development. He stressed that the Bill guarantees corporate autonomy and does not interfere with ward committee appointments. He emphasized that the GBA serves as a coordinating body, not an extension of the state government. The Bill, according to Patil, also brings the BMTC under city planning jurisdiction, addressing a current constitutional gap.

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