BBMP meet to woo Kannadigas abroad

The BBMP may be cash-strapped and pledging its prime properties to get huge loans for development works, but it is generous enough to spend at least Rs 4 crore on a convention of non-resident Kannadigas scheduled to be held in September.

The civic body, gearing up for the event, has already constituted an empowered committee led by Mayor D Venkatesh Murthy.

The committee members include BBMP officials, councillors and members of various non-resident Kannadigas’ association across the world.

The committee met at the BBMP’s central office weeks ago. According to the minutes of the meeting available with Express, the Mayor stated that BBMP was planning to improve culture and tourism in the city.

However, when contacted, the Mayor said BBMP was  getting in touch with the members of various non-resident Kannadigas’ associations which functioned in different parts of the world. “We will seek their assistance and support, both in terms of finance and knowledge, which will ultimately help Bangalore improve in various aspects. We will ask them to improve gardens, lakes and roads,” he said.

When asked about the expenditure, the mayor said it was not yet decided.

“They (non-resident Kannadigas’ associations) may spend or we will spend from BBMP funds,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the official sources said the event may cost at least Rs 4 to 5 crore. “When the state government organises a Vishwa Kannada Sammelana, what is the need for BBMP to organise a similar convention? That too, when it does not have sufficient funds,” they questioned.

The sources explained that this convention would be a failure.

“Why does a Kannadiga, who is basically from other part of Karnataka (other than Bangalore) residing in some other county, contribute his or her hard  earned money for the development of Bangalore. They would spend money on the improvement of their native places, not Bangalore,” the sources felt.

JD(S) leader Thimmegowda, when contacted,  said, “They (BBMP officials)  conducted a preliminary meeting on May 25. They did not invite anyone of us. They have called for the next meeting on June 20.”

“It is good that they are organising a programme in Bangalore Cantonment area which is expected to boost Kannada language and culture. At the same time, we want to know the amount that will be spent and also on the sources of the amount. BBMP does not have financial stability. When this is the situation, what is the need to organise a big convention? It would have been better if they give it to the Department of Kannada and Culture,” he suggested.

Opposition leader M K Gunashekar, said it was all about language and culture. “They should organise this event with more meaningful activities,” he said.

 However, he added that it would too early to comment on the issue.