Decision Makers:
D. K. Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka
Demands:
Conduct BBMP elections immediately, with a clear timeline
Introduction
It has been nearly nine years since the BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) last conducted council elections. These elections, which are conducted once every five years, were supposed to be held in 2020. However, the posts still remain vacant. The BBMP, which is the second largest municipal corporation after Mumbai, is responsible for the smooth functioning and maintenance of civic and infrastructural assets in Bengaluru.
The delay has caused a “governance vacuum,” and has reduced political accountability and transparency. For instance, without elected representatives, decisions about budget allocations and urban development projects lack the scrutiny that elected officials would be accountable for. Consequently this has resulted in a disconnect between the needs of the citizens and the administration.
What Is The Issue?
Absence of proper elected officials means that there is a dysfunction in essential mechanisms like ward committee meetings which are necessary for addressing issues such as water scarcity, waste and road management. The lack of accountable authorities has left many issues unresolved and unaddressed. The main challenges experienced by the citizens include:
Failing Infrastructure: Lack of management has led to roads being poorly maintained, thereby causing disrepair. In areas like Outer Ring Road and Sarjapur Road, the condition of internal roads is deplorable due to lack of maintenance and repair, making it dangerous for both vehicles and pedestrians. Additionally, inadequate street lights have exacerbated the issue as poorly lit streets lead to a higher risk of night-time accidents.
Inefficient Essential Services: Due to improper management of traffic, roads have become very congested. Lack of accountability also means waste management systems have failed. This has caused delays in garbage collection and improper disposal of waste eventually leading to unsanitary conditions in many areas.
Safety Risks: Data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) for 2022 shows that Bengaluru has the highest number of deaths due to negligence of the civic body. Broken footpaths, pothole-ridden roads, hanging cables have put lives at risk. There has also been an alarming increase in the number of pedestrian fatalities - between 2021 and 2023, the number has jumped by 77% due to the lack of proper civic infrastructure.
To ensure the safety and well-being, as well as efficient management of Bengaluru, it is critical to conduct BBMP elections without further delay. An elected body would be directly accountable to the public, ensuring that urgent issues receive the necessary attention and action they deserve.
Join us in demanding that the BBMP elections be conducted with immediate effect to restore effective governance and improve the quality of life in Namma Bengaluru.
By signing this petition, we can collectively work towards a safer, better-planned, and more livable Bengaluru.
Sources
BBMP restructuring bill an excuse to delay Council elections: Citizens forum
Pedestrian deaths in Bengaluru jumped by 77% in last 3 years
Bengaluru: Pedestrian Deaths Up By 77 Per Cent In Last 3 Years, Who's Responsible?
Governance paralysis: The impact of no BBMP election on Bengaluru civic life
Decision Makers:
D. K. Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka
Demands:
Conduct BBMP elections immediately, with a clear timeline
Introduction
It has been nearly nine years since the BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) last conducted council elections. These elections, which are conducted once every five years, were supposed to be held in 2020. However, the posts still remain vacant. The BBMP, which is the second largest municipal corporation after Mumbai, is responsible for the smooth functioning and maintenance of civic and infrastructural assets in Bengaluru.
The delay has caused a “governance vacuum,” and has reduced political accountability and transparency. For instance, without elected representatives, decisions about budget allocations and urban development projects lack the scrutiny that elected officials would be accountable for. Consequently this has resulted in a disconnect between the needs of the citizens and the administration.
What Is The Issue?
Absence of proper elected officials means that there is a dysfunction in essential mechanisms like ward committee meetings which are necessary for addressing issues such as water scarcity, waste and road management. The lack of accountable authorities has left many issues unresolved and unaddressed. The main challenges experienced by the citizens include:
Failing Infrastructure: Lack of management has led to roads being poorly maintained, thereby causing disrepair. In areas like Outer Ring Road and Sarjapur Road, the condition of internal roads is deplorable due to lack of maintenance and repair, making it dangerous for both vehicles and pedestrians. Additionally, inadequate street lights have exacerbated the issue as poorly lit streets lead to a higher risk of night-time accidents.
Inefficient Essential Services: Due to improper management of traffic, roads have become very congested. Lack of accountability also means waste management systems have failed. This has caused delays in garbage collection and improper disposal of waste eventually leading to unsanitary conditions in many areas.
Safety Risks: Data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) for 2022 shows that Bengaluru has the highest number of deaths due to negligence of the civic body. Broken footpaths, pothole-ridden roads, hanging cables have put lives at risk. There has also been an alarming increase in the number of pedestrian fatalities - between 2021 and 2023, the number has jumped by 77% due to the lack of proper civic infrastructure.
To ensure the safety and well-being, as well as efficient management of Bengaluru, it is critical to conduct BBMP elections without further delay. An elected body would be directly accountable to the public, ensuring that urgent issues receive the necessary attention and action they deserve.
Join us in demanding that the BBMP elections be conducted with immediate effect to restore effective governance and improve the quality of life in Namma Bengaluru.
By signing this petition, we can collectively work towards a safer, better-planned, and more livable Bengaluru.
Sources
BBMP restructuring bill an excuse to delay Council elections: Citizens forum
Pedestrian deaths in Bengaluru jumped by 77% in last 3 years
Bengaluru: Pedestrian Deaths Up By 77 Per Cent In Last 3 Years, Who's Responsible?
Governance paralysis: The impact of no BBMP election on Bengaluru civic life