Smt. Sowmya Reddy, Candidate for Bengaluru South, Shri. Mansoor Ali Khan, Candidate for
Bengaluru Central and Prof. M.V. Rajeev Gowda, Candidate for Bengaluru North launched a Joint
Vision for Bengaluru.
The BJP in 10 years at the Centre and successive governments in Karnataka has failed Bengaluru
and denied it’s fair share in developmental and infrastructural assistance. Many major infrastructure projects in Bangalore, such as the Ejipura flyover, Metro Rail Projects, and the Sub-urban Rail Project, have been severely delayed for years. Under the BJP Government, Karnataka lost the status of the startup capital of India.
Hollow promises and jumlas are the hallmark of their governance. Bengaluru has repeatedly elected
BJP MPs who have failed the city time and again. The launch of the BJP campaign began with
creating and spreading communal disharmony in Central Bengaluru. Just last month, Tejasvi Surya
was booked for his hate speech on social media. BJP is now giving Bengaluru Shobha Karandlaje,
who was rejected from her Udupi – Chikamagalur. Even before she filed her nomination papers, she
made derogatory comments against Tamilians in our city.
This vision document presents an alternative vision to the visionless and divisive agenda of the BJP.
As the MP candidates of the Congress Party for the city, we have laid down our agenda as Team
Bengaluru and commit to its execution as soon as we are elected. We issue an open challenge to the
BJP to provide their ideas for Bengaluru and a progress report on their tenure so far.
The Vision by Team Bengaluru covers progressive themes across the following dimensions:
1. Special Infrastructure Grant: As a main contributor of taxes for Union Govt, Bengaluru
deserves this special grant, we demand a Rs.1 lakh crore Special Grant from the Union
Government as a one-time grant for upgrading Bengaluru’s civic infrastructure to invest
heavily in the physical and social infrastructure of Bengaluru: roads, footpaths, drains,
schools, anganwadi, PHCs.
2. Urban Jobs Guarantee: Guarantee Apprentice Program for 1 lakh students of Bengaluru
and Karnataka with the public sector and private sector corporations in Bengaluru to
improve skills and employability and trigger entrepreneurship across Karnataka.
3. Water Secure Bengaluru: Build and strengthen water security and capacity in Bengaluru by
protecting lakes, harvesting rainwater, reusing STP water, and rejuvenating rivers. Utilise the
KC Valley project model to transfer secondary treated wastewater for drought-hit regions.
We will ensure efficient water quality monitoring, treatment, and prevention of health risks.
4. Make Bengaluru Move Again: We will ensure that projects like suburban rail leverage
existing railway lines and will improve the quality of life in satellite towns outside Bengaluru
such as Bidadi, Doddaballapur, and Hoskote. Expedite the implementation of the planned
circular railway network in association with Indian Railways around Bengaluru to decongest
the city and promote public transport. To facilitate easier access to public transport for users
and reduce traffic congestion in Bengaluru, first and last-mile connectivity to Namma Metro
will be enhanced using integrated technology. Ensure timely completion and thorough
review of Namma Metro Phase 2 and advocate for expansion of Phase 3.
5. Climate Resilient Bengaluru: Climate Action is more important now than ever as we see
both floods and drought – we will bring global expertise, and funds to make our city resilient
and strengthen our biggest advantage – our weather. We will work with concerned authorities
to increase the green cover of the city including building lung-spaces under major
infrastructure projects like flyovers.
6. Decentralised and Empowered BBMP: Advocate to actively implement the 74th
Constitutional Amendment to ensure timely BBMP election and empower our Municipal
Corporations. Focus on Metropolitan Planning and Regional Coordination to ensure
equitable inclusive growth of Bengaluru.
7. Metropolitan City Status for Bengaluru: Demand the recognition of Bengaluru as a
metropolitan city under the Income Tax Act to ease the rent burden of our salaried class.
8. Namma Sanskriti- Namma Hemme: Develop tourist-friendly infrastructure to highlight
Bengaluru’s cultural heritage including working with the Ministry of Tourism to devise and
implement strategic promotional campaigns specific to showcase Bengaluru’s unique tourism
offerings. Further, increase employment opportunities by enhancing capacity and
introducing short-term courses for specific skilling and reskilling in hospitality and travel
trade sectors.
9. Empowering Women in the Workforce: To increase the participation of women in the
labour force, construct safe and conveniently located hostels for working women, offering
childcare, meals, and facilities at subsidised costs. Additionally, upgrade existing Anganwadi
Centers and construct new daycare facilities in Bengaluru Urban for children of organised
and unorganised sector workers.
10. Invest Karnataka Forums across the Globe: Coordinate with the Ministry of External
Affairs and Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the state government to set up
business information centres and helplines to streamline and fastrack investments into
Bengaluru and Karnataka.
This article is a Press Release Dated 24 April 2024.
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