Bengaluru: While it is almost certain that Jayanagar ward corporator Gangambike will be the Mayoral candidate, civic experts feel that the one-year term for mayor is not sufficient.
Civil evangelist Ravichandar commented, “To be relevant, Bengaluru Mayor’s post is currently a non-entity.”
Brand expert Harish Bijoor, echoing the same opinion, said, “The mayor of Bengaluru is largely a ceremonial position. She/he is the first citizen of the city. Sadly, there is little else in the hands of the Mayor. That is the challenge. A direct election is the way forward, but more systemic changes are needed. Empowering the mayor is more important.”
Mr Ravichandar, who was part of the three-member committee that suggested splitting of the BBMP into five corporations and six mayors, suggested that passing the BBMP Restructuring Bill along with governance and administration reforms is the way forward to solve the woes of the city.
Mr Srinivas Alavilli, co-founder, Citizens for Bengaluru, said, “The biggest challenge before the incoming mayor is roads, garbage and storm water drains. From regular and fair payments to pourakarmikas to effective local ward level management of waste, the mayor needs to ensure our city stays clean. Though potholes are in news now, the real issue is roads. The monsoon once again exposed how encroachments of drains and lakes are causing flooding and the mayor must empower ward committees to work closely with engineers to fix these problems. Traffic, water and power are big issues, but unfortunately the mayor has no role to play in any of them.”
Mr Alavilli too suggested that the mayor should be elected directly.
