Cold war between Deputy CM and Mayor Gangambike stalls projects across Bengaluru
BENGALURU: While the model code of conduct has delayed all the works in the city, the alleged cold war between city Mayor Gangambike and Deputy Chief Minister Dr Parameshwar may have added to it.
BBMP sources maintain that Gangambike, who got the coveted Mayor's post due to the backing of Congress leader Ramalinga Reddy, is not in good terms with Dr Parameshwar and both are working in isolation, thereby leading to delay in projects. The sources also maintain that BBMP Commissioner Manjunath Prasad is now the face of Palike, while elected representatives have been sidelined.
Before the BBMP budget was presented there was a cold war between the Gangambike and her deputy Bhadre Gowda. Later, the issue was referred to JD(S) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda and they both were told to work together, said the source. As for the Mayor's spat with Deputy Chief Minister, sources said the possible reason was Parameshwar's tour of France ignoring the Mayor.
"Mr Parameshwar visited a waste-to-energy company there and the Mayor was not even informed about this and she didn't accompany the trip. Recently the same firm inked a pact with BBMP and the Mayor was not kept in loop," the source pointed out. The other reasons for enmity include selection of Mayor at the behest of Mr Reddy.
It is Mr Reddy who is having the final say in BBMP affairs. He wields this clout as he was the one who cobbled up a coalition by forging ties with independent candidates and helped Congress come to power in BBMP, even though BJP had more corporators.
The candidate whom Mr Reddy supports becomes the Mayor and Chairmen of standing committees. But there was an effort to sideline him by handing over the Bangalore Development portfolio to Dr Parameshwar, he said.
Even though there are standing committees which are set up to do the work and take crucial decisions, projects are taken through the State High Level Clearance Committee, the source said and added that once the model code of conduct ends, the fight could be out in open. Gangambike was not available for comments.
