Citizen friendly governance, better public transportation and increasing the green cover of the city were some of the highlights of the manifesto released by the BJP for Bengaluru city on Tuesday.
While unveiling the manifesto, Bengaluru south MP Ananth Kumar said it was necessary to have a separate manifesto for the city as its needs are different from the rest of the state. He termed Bengaluru the “biggest urban conglomerate” and said that it generates 70% of the revenue of the state.
Prakash Javadekar, Ananthkumar, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, PC Mohan, R Ashok, Aravind Limbavali and Sureshkumar were some of the members present at the launch.
Here are some highlights of the manifesto:
Legislation for Bengaluru: The manifesto promises to constitute a Metropolitan Planning Committee, include citizen participation, adherence to Revised Master Plan 2031 and more.
The manifesto also promises to have a Comprehensive Development Plan for the city.
Public transportation: One of the points of focus of the BJP’s Bengaluru manifesto is ‘mass transport’.
Ananth Kumar also said that a local train project worth Rs 17,000 crore would be implemented based on the Mumbai local.
“A Rs 17,000 crore local train network modelled after Mumbai local will be brought in. The Modi Sarkar has announced budget allocation for this. From Bengaluru to Yeshwantpur, Krishnarajapuram, Yelahanka, Bangarpet, Doddaballapur. All lines will be double-lined, automatic signalled, electrified and platforms will be built every 5 km. Rs 17,000 crore brand new suburban railway network for Bengaluru, the BJP has decided,” he said.
Among its promises, the BJP said it would expand BMTC’s fleet, reduce fares by 50% for long rides and also extend the lines of the Namma Metro.
The manifesto also promises to have a single ticketing system across local train networks, Namma Metro and BMTC services.
As part of its promises to decongest the city, the manifesto says that they would regulate the entry of public and private inter-city bus services into the city by building “Multi-Modal Transport Hubs in Attibele, Nelamangala, Kanakapura, Ramanagara, BIAL and Hoskote.”
Citizen’s involvement in governance: The manifesto promises that 50% of each ward committee would be would consist of members from local Resident Welfare Associations. The manifesto promises to launch a website for citizens to reach out to them.
It also promises to implement zoning regulations as part of which residential zones would only be used for residential activities.
Safety: It promises to create all-woman squad for the safety of women and children.
Lakes: The manifesto also promises to establish a Bengaluru Lake Conservation and Development Authority, a regulatory body for which a Rs 2,500 crore fund will be created, for protecting lakes and stormwater drains. It also promises flood-proof all areas prone to flooding in the city.
Homes: The manifesto promises to safeguard the interests of homebuyers in the city by announcing new rules for the Regulatory Authority and Appellate Tribunal.
It also promises to safeguard the interests of residents by promising that there would be no discrimination in tariffs.
Children: The manifesto promises to strengthen the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights and establish three special child-friendly courts.
Other promises: The manifesto promises to prohibit flexes and banners throughout the city, ensure that there is one tree for every person, develop more footpaths and walkways, install facial recognition CCTV cameras, and to make the city manual scavenging-free.