BENGALURU: The clock is winding down, but the Siddaramaiah government is trying everything possible to push through its plans to divide Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and put off elections.
However, it is unsure of getting a desired result as its actions or plans have to be approved, first by the Governor and later by the Supreme Court at a brisk pace to keep with the latter’s deadline of eight weeks from July 3.
As per the present strategy, the Siddaramaiah government is keen on getting passed the Karnataka Municipal Corporation (Amendment) Act which is before the select committee of the Legislative Council for consideration. The committee has time till July 19 to give its report on the Bill which provides for division of BBMP into two or more entities allegedly for administrative convenience. Given the opposition’s strength, the Bill is expected to be rejected in the Council.
Even then, the state government can adopt the Bill by passing it for the second time in the Assembly as provided under the Constitution. But the real challenge lies in getting the assent of the Governor Vajubhai Vala without which no legislation can come into force.
The Governor is duty bound to give assent to a Bill passed by the Assembly. At the most he can seek clarifications on some points. But there is no deadline for him to give assent. The Congress fears that Vala might use this to shatter it’s plans.
‘’Our main fear is this. We know that the Governor will not hurriedly give his assent to such an important Bill. But we are trying our best,’’ said a senior Congress MLC.
Even if the Governor gives his assent, it remains to be seen if the apex court would buy state government’s argument and allow it to go ahead with BBMP division plans. The SC had already rejected state’s appeal seeking time twice. BJP MLA Suresh Kumar said, “There is very limited scope at this point to defer the BBMP polls any further.”