President to decide on BBMP bill: TB Jayachandra

Bengaluru: Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister T.B. Jayachandra on Wednesday confirmed that Governor Vajubai Vala had sent the Karnataka Municipal Corporation (Amendment) Bill 2015, aimed at dividing Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) into more than three corporations, to the President for assent.

Talking to reporters here on Wednesday, the minister said the government had sent the Bill to the Governor after its passage in both the Houses of the State Legislature, amid walkout by opposition parties on Saturday last.

In fact, they wanted to meet Mr Vala to explain him under what circumstances the government wanted to divide the BBMP into more than three corporations. But, that did not happen due to President Pranab Mukherjee's two-day official visit to Karnataka and the sudden demise of former president Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

Meanwhile the Governor, by exercising his powers under Article 200 of the Constitution, had forwarded the bill to the Rashtrapati Bhavan for assent without bringing it to the government's notice. Mr Vala had sought over 15 clarifications, which were being looked into by the government.

Vote for good candidates: Rajeev Chandrasekhar

Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar has launched a campaign ‘Our City, Our Future, Our Vote’ to create awareness over the forthcoming BBMP election. In his letter to the city residents, Rajeev Chandrasekhar has raised issues of ‘poor governance’, which he says is affecting the city.

“I appeal to your sense of duty to our city to cast your vote in BBMP elections on August 22. Please make your voice heard in the campaign and in the discussions leading up to the elections. On election day, make sure you vote for these good candidates regardless of party, caste, religion or community,” he appealed. “It is our city, our future. Bengaluru requires good corporators and governance. If we do not vote, how can we get either,” he said.

Amendment to Karnataka Lokayukta Act

On proposed amendment to the Karnataka Lokayukta Act, 1984 in the wake of complaints of corruption in anti-graft body, Mr Jayachandra said they wanted a thorough debate in both the Houses which would meet on Thursday and Friday.

Subsequently, the government would also consider people's opinion on the changes mooted in the Bill in regard to appointment and removal of Lokayukta besides holding its head accountable. In fact, there was demand to scrap the Lokayukta institution which would also be looked into.

Powers to try cases under Prevention of Corruption Act had been vested with Karnataka Lokayukta whereas there was a separate wing to try such cases in other States, he added. This had paved way for confusion. “Our aim is to strengthen the Lokayukta Act 1984 to make it more strong and vibrant. We are open to suggestions given by opposition parties in this regard,” the Minister said.

Drought: The Minister said drought like situation was prevailing in over 100 taluks due to failure of monsoon. A cabinet sub-committee would meet during the first week of August to take stock of the situation and announce the exact number of drought-hit taluks in the state.