Bengaluru: Feb 28: BJP state president and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra called on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to allocate additional funds for the development of Bengaluru, specifically requesting a budget allocation of Rs 6,000 to Rs 8,000 crore. Vijayendra emphasized the need for more financial resources to expedite infrastructure projects in the city, including flyovers and metro expansion, which he described as progressing too slowly. He stressed that Bengaluru, as the Silicon City, requires urgent attention and substantial funding to maintain its status as a global tech hub.
During a media interaction, Vijayendra highlighted that previous BJP-led governments under Yediyurappa and Basavaraj Bommai had consistently provided similar funding for Bengaluru’s development. He pointed out that in the last two years, however, no such funding had been allocated, which has led to stagnation in development efforts. He also raised concerns about the delay in holding BBMP elections and the lack of attention given to the city’s pressing issues.
In addition to the funding request, MPs P.C. Mohan and Tejaswi Surya voiced their concerns about the high metro fares and suggested measures to make public transportation more affordable. They also called for more funds to be directed toward first-time MLAs for development work in their constituencies. Vijayendra emphasized that they were not seeking special treatment but were urging the government to treat all legislators equally, regardless of political affiliation.
Opposition Leader R. Ashok, also present during the briefing, criticized the lack of development, citing the chaotic state of Bengaluru’s roads, delays in infrastructure work, and the inability to pay park watchmen. He lamented that despite rising prices, development in Bengaluru has stagnated. The delegation called for the allocation of grants for all BJP MLAs across the state, urging the government not to ignore the opposition’s needs and to focus on the overall development of Karnataka.
