DK Shivakumar on bifurcation of BBMP, urban governance reform in Bengaluru

In an exclusive conversation with India Today TV, Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar discusses what he terms the greatest urban governance reform in Bengaluru's history. The plan involves the bifurcation of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) into five smaller corporations, a move that has now been notified and is functional. A new coordinating body, the Greater Bangalore Authority (GBA), will handle mega projects, inspired by models in cities like Tokyo and London. The reform aims to provide more effective delivery of services, with new corporations having their own mayors. Addressing concerns about financial disparity, the state government will support less affluent areas. The Deputy Chief Minister asserted this is a governance, not a political reform, stating, "as far as India is concerned, we have taken a very strong lead position." This model, if successful, is envisioned to be a blueprint for other large cities in the country.