BENGALURU: “Why are they wasting taxpayers’ money? Why should we vote for such people?” This has been the angry reaction of people from various walks of life over the ruckus created by BBMP councillors at the monthly council meeting on Tuesday, which left five women injured.
Arguments over the diarygate was what led to the mayhem in the council.
N Mukund, executive committee member of Jayanagar 5th Block Residents’ Welfare Association, said that people like him vote and send these councillors to the meeting to discuss civic issues. But instead, they discuss political issues and waste the taxpayers’ money. “Councillors are paid honorarium for the meetings. This, however, should not be given for this particular meeting,” he said.
Pranav Vasishta from Jain College rued, “What moral right do they have in asking for our votes? Why should we vote for such people?”
Radha Rao, a private firm employee, said that one should behave in a decent manner irrespective of the political affiliation. “They are public figures and people are watching them. I feel terrible having voted for such people and sending them to the council,” she said.
Anand G N, president of BBMP employees’ association, said it is the duty of the councillors to serve the public, but by fighting they are dishonouring the council itself. “They are supposed to direct the people in the right direction. Not fight like this,” he said.
Minister Ramalinga Reddy said that there should be healthy debates right from the gram panchayat level to Parliament. They are after all elected to debate and discuss issues. “This definitely should not have happened,” he said.
BJP MLA from Jayanagara B N Vijaykumar too condemned the behaviour of the councillors but added that they should not speak about members who are not in the House.
Also, they can only debate issues pertaining to the BBMP limits and not the state or the country.