BBMP is ours this year: Union Minister Ananth Kumar

Bengaluru: With mayoral elections round the corner, the Bengaluru city unit of the BJP is all set to regain power in the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) with the support of JD(S) and Independent corporators.  

The BJP, despite being the single largest party in the Palike, had lost the administration to the Congress last year because of lack of strategy and vision. This time, however, the party has started working the wheels to get into position of power.

Union Minister Ananth Kumar on Saturday hinted that the party will end the ‘unholy’ alliance of the Congress and JD(S) in the BBMP and get into power.

“In the 2015 election, the people gave the verdict in favour of our party, but the Congress hijacked the mandate and came into power through backdoor manipulations. We are ready to rule with the help of the JD(S),” Mr Kumar said after the party executive committee meeting.

The party has already started the efforts to get hold of the BBMP administration. The party city unit president, city MLAs, MPs and office-bearers will meet to discuss the strategy. “We are sure of getting power in the Palike this year,” he said.

‘GST, a historic bill’
Addressing the executive committee meeting, Mr Kumar thanked all political parties for supporting the GST Bill in Parliament.

“I owe personal thanks to former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, who despite his ill-health, attended the Parliament session and voted for the bill,” he said. 

“Now, GST has to be cleared by 29 states. More than 50 percent of the states are likely to give their approval over the next few months. Assam has already given the green signal. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah too has promised a smooth passage for the bill in the state assembly,” he said.

‘Declare assets’
Union Law and Justice Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda advised the MPs, MLAs and ministers to declare their assets and liabilities.

“Politicians who are actively involved in public life should declare their assets and liabilities, like I have done. We are answerable to the public and we should maintain transparency,” he said.