JD(S) eyes mega infra projects in BBMP pact with Congress

Bengaluru: Out of the corridors of power for almost a decade, the Janata Dal (S) is set to make a comeback, but this time, it is eyeing corridors of a different kind. Highly-placed sources in the party said JD(S) supremo is keenly watching how the Congress government implements its ambitious North-South and East-West Corridor projects proposed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the state budget.

The projects involve a staggering investment of Rs 17,000 crore plus acquisition of massive tracts of land in prime parts of Bengaluru and any politician including Mr Gowda would like to keep a tab on how the projects shape up and where the funds flow. The proposed highways are likely to criss-cross upmarket localities like Koramangala. The trifurcation of BBMP which Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is so keen on, has emerged as a hitch in the proposed alliance but JD(S) sources said it could be overcome.

“Over coffee, Mr Gowda offered some suggestions to Congress leaders which should not be considered conditions. He only wondered why Delhi after being divided, is going for reunification now? This issue will not hamper talks,” party general secretary Ramesh Babu said. Sources said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is yet to take a call on the JD(S) view that the idea of trifurcating BBMP should be dropped.

The talks between JD(S) state unit president H.D. Kumaraswamy and KPCC president Dr G. Parameshwar on firming up the alliance did not happen on Thursday as scheduled as Mr Kumaraswamy is unwell.

Meanwhile, the BJP which may have to sit out despite winning 100 of 198 seats in BBMP, has decided to organise a series of public agitations to expose the ‘unholy’ Congress-JD(S) alliance. On Friday, the city unit will hold a dharna in front of Town Hall. The leadership has directed 100 workers from each Assembly constituency in Bengaluru to be present during the protest.

On Saturday, all 100 newly elected BJP corporators will submit a memorandum to Governor Vajubhai Vala, requesting him to intervene in the matter and stop the Congress-JD(S) alliance from coming to power in BBMP.