BANGALORE: Mayor Sharadamma, whose term will end in April, has reportedly threatened to resign from her post if Mayor’s funds were reduced from Rs 150 crore to Rs 40 crore.
Sources in the BBMP said that Bangalore Urban In-charge Minister R Ashok held a meeting with senior councillors to discuss the issue. Discussion on Kempegowda Awards was also held. Sources said, in the meeting, Ashok allegedly directed the Mayor to release the funds only for those who have been referred by him and not to use her discretionary powers.
“When her requests were not heeded to, Sharadamma broke down in the meeting. She said during her tenure as Mayor, she had acted according to others’ (Minister Ashok, Party President Nanjundappa and senior councilors) directions,” the sources claimed.
Reportedly, Sharadamma had promised some of her “confidante” councillors to provide money from the Mayor’s funds. However, her request was turned down.
“None of the Mayors and Deputy Mayors in the past were deprived of their funds,” she alleged.
Deputy Mayor S Harish said Mayor’s funds were reduced to Rs 120 crore from Rs 150 crore. Also, the Deputy Mayor’s funds were reduced to Rs 10 crore from Rs 25 crore.
B R Nanjundappa, City BJP President, denied Sharadamma had threatened to resign. “Minister Ashok was there in the BBMP office for some other work. She left the office saying she was not well. Everything is fine,” he clarified.
She also maintained that there was no clash between her and the leaders. “So far Rs 40 crore has been released, the remaining funds will be released soon,” she said.