BNP calls for citizen-centric governance, rejects Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill

Members of the Bengaluru NavaNirmana Party (BNP) on Sunday sat on a day-long fast at Freedom Park creating awareness on the need to alter multiple provisions of the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, 2024. 

They said they will move the Governor and High Court against the present form of the Bill. BNP instead argued for scaling down MLA and government control in municipal affairs, a feasible and workable decentralisation and autonomous city governance that would alter the structure of the Greater Bengaluru Authority in a way that allows for greater representation of citizens, councillors and local representatives.

Key demands

Addressing the gathering, Srikanth Narasimhan, BNP Founder and General Secretary, highlighted four key demands – Mayor and council should have true power, more power to Bengalureans through ward committees and area sabhas, devolve powers to BBMP as per 12th Schedule of Indian Constitution, implement laws properly, bring in transparency and conduct elections on time. “We need a response to our four demands. Without citizen involvement in governance, the city’s future is at risk. A decentralised governance model is essential. I urge residents to become ward leaders, engage in civic issues, and register to vote in BBMP elections to support responsible candidates,” he said. 

“We want to ensure that governance remains with the citizens. If this bill becomes law, citizen’s responsibility will diminish significantly. Currently, our voice is nearly non-existent, and if this continues, it will vanish. If the GBGB goes through in its current form, we will take 4-5 steps back as a city,” said Vishnu Reddy, zonal leader BNP. 

The rally and the event saw hundreds of residents, civic activists, including actor Shruthi Hariharan, activist Brinda Adige and others participating. 

Skit staged

The party also staged a thought-provoking skit featuring a dialogue between Nadaprabhu Kempegowda and Mahatma Gandhi, where actors playing the two icons questioned citizens about the state of Bengaluru today. While Kempegowda spoke of his vision for a world-class city — well-planned, well-connected, with beautiful lakes, greenery, parks, thriving markets, and clean neighbourhoods — Mahatma Gandhi emphasised the need for an empowered local government dedicated to good governance.