Congress releases manifesto for Bengaluru civic poll

The ruling Congress party released its manifesto for the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) elections on Monday.

The party sees revenue potential of ₹5,000 to 6,000 crore from 198 wards coming under BBMP jurisdiction to take up major infrastructure works for the city.

‘Huge potential’ Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, releasing the party’s manifesto, said the city has huge revenue potential, but previous governments failed to tap it.

“In two years and three months of our (Congress) rule in the State, we were able to collect ₹4,400 crore in revenues. In 2014-15 fiscal, revenues to the tune of ₹1,800 crore were collected and in 2013-14, ₹1,300 crore was collected,” Siddaramaiah said.

Accusing the misrule of Janata Dal Secular (JDS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for 10 years, Chief Minister said both the parties with their errant policies had virtually broken down the civic administration of Bengaluru city.

“BJP which ruled BBMP previously failed to collect revenues properly. This in turn has impacted the city to take up any major infrastructure works,” he explained.

“Now Congress will not sit hands folded. It is committed to bring back the lost glory and provide Bengalurians the best infrastructure and amenities,” he added.

Manifesto “The Congress party will strive to make Bengaluru a model city; developed the city to be a great educational, research oriented, technical and productive city,” said G Parameshwara, President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee.

“It is our duty to protect the multi-cultural uniqueness of the city and take actions to make it grab the attention of the world community,” he added.

Congress party has resolved to retain garden and resourceful city character. “The party manifesto aims to improve the living conditions of Bengalurians and remove obstacles that may come up and improve the economic capabilities of the city,” Dr Parameshwara said.

Chief Minister said the twin challenges before Congress is the rejuvenation and rebuilding of the city. “We are confident that this can be achieved with the participation of all the thoughtful citizens of Bengaluru.”

In this direction Congress party has declared few commitments:

Good governance Bring all property khata holders under tax net, widening property tax through geographical information technology; strengthening the self-assessment tax system and increase tax collections. A single window system to be provided for receiving complaints regarding water, drainage, transport, electricity, housing development. A team of BBMP officers would be formed solely for addressing these complaints.

Transport To pressurise the Indian railways to plan circular railway project and completion of doubling up track in all sections up to 60 kms. Introduce mono rail, modify tender sure projects as per needs and implement in it on more roads.

Construction of flyover in at least 40 circles. Elevated flyovers to connect Bengaluru’s east-west and north-south.

Cleanliness Complete curb the garbage mafia and bring in total transparency in waste management. Use segregated plastic materials for road construction works and gradually ban the use of plastic carry bags. Promote setting up bio-methane units from segregated wet waste.

Greater Bangalore Setting of the Greater Bangalore Authority will bring various authorities which are manning the water supply, underground drainage, transport, housing, electricity and developmental projects under one single system.

Housing Reserve about 25 per cent of developed land in the city for economically and socially weaker sections of society.

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