SALAR NEWS

Greater Bengaluru Governance (Amendment) Bill 2025 passed in Karnataka Assembly

'Though the Bill was passed, some filed a PIL in the court. Hence, an amendment has been carried out to clarify the point that the Greater Bengaluru Authority would not interfere in the functioning of the corporations,' said DyCM.

Salar News

Karnataka DyCM DK Shivakumar tabled the Amendment Bill.

Bengaluru, 19 Aug

The Greater Bengaluru Governance (Amendment) Bill 2025 was passed in Karnataka Legislative Assembly, on Tuesday, after a discussion.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who also holds the Bengaluru Development portfolio, tabled the Amendment Bill and it was passed after discussion among various members of the House.

Participating in the discussion, DK Shivakumar said, “Though the Bill was passed, some people filed a PIL in the court. Hence, an amendment has been carried out to clarify the point that the Greater Bengaluru Authority would not interfere in the functioning of the corporations".

When BJP MLA Suresh Kumar questioned the implications of the amendment, the DyCM said, “Someone had filed a PIL in the court stating that the Greater Bengaluru Authority had the powers to interfere in the functioning of the corporations. The PIL had said that the government was planning to take control of the corporations. Hence, necessary amendments have been brought about to make it very clear that there is no interference.”

When BJP MLA Ashwath Narayan asked for an explanation on the control the Karnataka government had on the corporations, the DCM said, “Though the court did not accept the PIL, we have made the amendment to avoid any confusion in the future. Our intention is that the Mayor and the corporation members must have full powers on the corporation as per the Constitution.”

“Members such as Satish Reddy submitted that villages in their Constituency have not been included, but it is important to note that the gram panchayat members would have had to become corporation members if we do so. We will deliberate and decide which villages to include in the future.”

“Mahadevapura collects highest taxes in Bengaluru and there is not much collection in central areas. In such situations, we need to give financial assistance. But the law doesn’t permit such transfer of funds as it would violate 74th amendment of the Constitution. We will withdraw the amendment if the Opposition doesn’t want it. We have brought this amendment to prevent any misuse of power by subsequent governments,” he told the House.

No politics when it comes to Bengaluru

“We are ready to accept suggestions from the Opposition. We had also formed a House Committee to look into it. We have nothing to hide. Let’s conduct elections first. We will issue a notification by 25 August after taking Governor’s permission,” clarified the Congress leader.

Asserting that the Congress government in the State does not want to do "politics over Bengaluru's future," he assured that the government "will not interfere with respect to financial independence, tax collection, elections or reservation. The 74th amendment has been fully protected".

Replying to MLA Muniratna who tried to obstruct the discussion, the DyCM quipped, “We will give you an opportunity to participate in the discussion. We have forgotten you as you are busy running around for the investigation.”