The Karnataka government’s draft notification to split the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) into five separate municipal corporations under the proposed Greater Bengaluru Development Authority (GBDA) has triggered strong backlash from the state’s principal Opposition party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Senior BJP leaders have called the move a blatant violation of constitutional principles and a politically motivated attempt by the Congress to consolidate power in Bengaluru by undermining local governance.
According to the draft notification issued on July 19, the BBMP will be reorganised into Central, East, North, South, and West Corporations, each covering specific Assembly constituencies and wards. The move, framed under the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act (GBGA), seeks to decentralise administration, improve urban planning, and bring governance closer to citizens. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who also holds the Bengaluru Development portfolio, defended the plan, arguing that the massive city needs smaller, more manageable administrative units for better service delivery.
‘Unconstitutional, anti-democratic’: BJP’s sharp words
In its memorandum submitted to State Governor Tawar Chand Gehlot, the BJP alleged that the new Act violates the spirit of the 74th Constitutional Amendment, which mandates democratic decentralisation and the independence of local self-governments. The party argues that by creating an overarching authority with sweeping powers over urban planning, resource allocation, land acquisition, and coordination among corporations, the state government is effectively undermining the autonomy of municipal bodies and concentrating decision-making in the hands of a few.
Speaking to reporters, R Ashoka said, “This is Congress’s classic divide-and-rule tactic. Instead of strengthening the BBMP, they want to break the city into pieces to serve narrow political ends. Bengaluru belongs to everyone — you can’t chop it up for votes.”
BJP leaders also pointed out that the Act gives the state excessive powers over ward delimitation and election scheduling, which they fear will be misused to delay local body elections and avoid accountability. “They haven’t held BBMP elections for years, despite repeated court orders. Now, with this Act, they have another excuse to postpone elections indefinitely,” B Y Vijayendra said.
Bureaucratic hurdles, cultural threat
The BJP contends that creating multiple corporations under a single umbrella will only add layers of bureaucracy, slowing down decisions instead of speeding them up. They argue that coordination between corporations and the GBDA will be inefficient and plagued by administrative overlap and political interference.
“Bengaluru needs streamlined, responsive governance, not a bureaucratic maze. This is a recipe for more files, more confusion, and less work on the ground,” said Narayanaswamy.
Another significant concern raised by BJP leaders is the potential threat to Bengaluru’s cultural identity and linguistic representation. They argue that dividing the city could dilute the influence of Kannada-speaking communities and fragment the city’s rich cultural and historical fabric.
“The city’s cultural unity is its strength. Carving it up into five mini cities will weaken its voice, its identity, and its sense of belonging,” Ashoka warned.
Financial mismanagement fears
The Opposition party also highlighted concerns over possible financial mismanagement. It warned that splitting Bengaluru’s administration could lead to inequitable distribution of resources, with wealthier areas receiving more funds while neglected pockets continue to suffer. They cited failed attempts in Delhi and Kolkata, where municipal corporations were split but later merged again due to governance inefficiency and poor financial outcomes.
“This will not solve problems like potholes, flooding, or waste management. Instead, funds will get stuck in bureaucracy while the common man suffers,” BJP leaders argued.
‘Strengthen, don’t split’: BJP vows legal fight
The BJP has demanded that the government abandon its plan to split the BBMP and instead focus on empowering the existing corporation with better infrastructure, digital tools, and more accountability.
The party has also announced that it will challenge the GBGA legally if necessary and launch a public awareness campaign across Bengaluru to expose what it calls the Congress’s “hidden agenda.”
“Bengaluru needs solutions, not slogans. We will take this fight from the Governor’s office to the people’s doorstep. We won’t allow Congress to dismantle our city for its political convenience,” Ashoka said.
The notification will be open for public objections and suggestions for a period of 30 days. The BJP has urged civil society, resident welfare associations, and citizens to voice their concerns and join its campaign to safeguard the city’s integrity and democratic governance.
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