BENGALURU:From laying foundation stones to inaugurations to inspections, the state government seems to be giving sudden attention to the city. The reason is not far to seek. With elections to the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) expected to be announced soon, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is set to inaugurate many development works and lay foundation stones for many projects next week.
District in-charge Minister Ramalinga Reddy told reporters here on Saturday that as the Supreme Court has directed the State Election Commission to conduct the BBMP elections before August-end, the polls are likely to held at that time.
“Which also means, the model code of conduct will be in force soon. So, we want to inaugurate and take up new projects before the code is enforced. We have asked the CM for his dates and these events are likely to be held during next weekend,” Reddy said.
He said the chief minister would inaugurate the Mestripalya lake maintained by BDA, a waste processing unit at Koramangala, which will also generate bio-methane. It will have a plastic recycling unit and a coconut shell processing unit, all set up on a 3.5 acre plot. Two more waste processing units will be started at Kannahalli and Sigehalli.
Signal-free corridors from Old Madras Road to Hope Farm and from Nayandahalli Junction to Silk Board junction, which are estimated to cost Rs 300 crore, will also be inaugurated, he said. Siddaramaiah is also set to inaugurate two crematoriums, including one for animals, on Magadi Road.
Reddy said 150 bus shelters are being constructed under public-private partnership model; 40 are ready for inauguration.
Siddu to Go on Inauguration Spree
Earlier in the day, Reddy held a review meeting with BBMP officials and discussed many issues including potholes, road digging and releasing funds for ongoing projects.
‘BJP to Blame’
Reddy blamed the BJP, which ruled the BBMP, for leaving the civic body with a debt of close to Rs 9,000 crore, including unpaid bills of contractors.
“Bills are pending since September 2013. BBMP is now capable of clearing bills till March 2014 if contractors provide bills with sufficient documents,” the minister said.
When asked about the BBMP polls, he said they won’t be postponed and will be held as per Supreme Court orders. Reddy say he did not have much to say about the trifurcation of the Palike. “If we are dividing BBMP after the election, we will let you know,” he said.
A Poll Gimmick, Says BJP
BJP members see this inauguration spree differently. BJP sources said the CM’s city rounds were also an election stunt.
“They knew the election will be postponed. But they wanted to show that they are ready for the elections and that is why they conducted city rounds. The upcoming inauguration of projects is another gimmick. The government will take up the BBMP restructuring bill, which means there will be no BBMP. When there will be no BBMP, where is the question of an election? They will then approach the court and election will not happen,” a source told Express.
All for votes?
■ Rejuvenated Mestripalya lake
■ Waste processing units at Koramangala, Sigehalli and Kannahalli
■ Signal-free corridor from Old Madras Road to Hope Farm and Nayandahalli to Silk Board junction
■ Two crematoriums, including one for animals, on Magadi Road
■ Multi-level car parking at Gandhinagar
■ 150 new bus shelters
■ 38 health kiosks
■ 38 new BangaloreOne centres