Bengaluru Development Minister KJ George’s reported decision to consult the controversial Bengaluru Vision Group before the Rs 1,800 crore flyover project is initiated and not the Constitutional Metropolitan Planning Committee has angered many people.
On Friday, The Times of India quoted the Vision Group member and Biocon head Kiran Mazumdar Shaw saying, “I discussed the matter with the minister. He said the project hasn't been finalized and assured me he will convene a meeting of the group before it takes off.”
Rajya Sabha MP and MPC member Rajeev Chandrasekhar, said that the government has ignored the MPC because only it only seeks the voices of people with millions in their pockets. He has expressed his disagreement with the formation of the independent group in the past as well.
The MPC is a body set up under the 74th Amendment to the Constitution, and is entrusted with the planning and development of the city.
Rajeev said that the first MPC meeting was called two years after it was constituted – on June 01, 2016 after pressure was exerted. “Siddaramaiah said it will meet once in three months instead of every month. If CM can find time to meet the vision group every month, why not meet the Metropolitan Planning Committee? That’s perhaps because, the CM / government prefers a shortcut, a cozy group of people who will agree to whatever the government proposes because there is no scrutiny or questions asked! And to duck accountability!”
However, said that he was not entirely against the existence of the Vision Group. “Chief Minister and the Government should refer / discuss such issue in MPC or at least have a public consultation and be transparent about the project – benefits, impact etc. Not like I oppose the vision group but let them take accountability or come under the MPC.”
He also attacked the government for planning the Rs 1,800 crore worth flyover 18 months before assembly elections. “Why should they announce Rs 1800 crore flyover with just 18 months left for the assembly elections when the traffic congestion is not a new phenomenon?” he asked.