Greater Bengaluru Authority to take shape by September 15: DCM DK Shivakumar
Bengaluru, May 24 (PTI): Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday announced that the process of forming the Greater Bengaluru Authority (BGA) will be completed by September 15.
The BGA is set to replace the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), with the aim of bringing more efficient and transparent governance to the city, he told reporters here.
Shivakumar said a notification was issued on May 15 to convert BBMP into Greater Bengaluru Authority.
“We have to form corporations within 120 days. I have asked all the MLAs of Bengaluru for suggestions on how many corporations to make. Then we will decide where to expand further. These corporations should be formed by September 15," he pointed out.
The Deputy Chief Minister also discussed various other initiatives aimed at improving the city's infrastructure and services.
These include clearing footpath shops, providing push vehicles to street vendors, and widening roads.
Shivakumar emphasised that the government is committed to working with all stakeholders, including MLAs, to ensure that the city's development is inclusive and sustainable.
Regarding clearing of footpath shops, the Deputy Chief Minister said that 27,665 street vendors have registered, and the government is ready to provide them with push vehicles.
"They should keep their vehicles at the designated place and do business," he said.
On Road widening, Shivakumar said the issue has been discussed with MLAs, and wherever they recommend road widening, TDR (Transfer of Development Rights) will be given to property owners.
He also announced that basement parking will not be allowed in low-lying areas to prevent flooding and ensure safety.
The Deputy Chief Minister directed that optical fiber cables that have been laid in sewage and water channels should be cut and removed.
Shivakumar informed that the government is working on digitising 25 lakh property details in the city, with the aim of bringing transparency in tax and property registration.
"We have already digitised 5 lakh properties and are working on a big campaign to complete the process," he said.
Shivakumar acknowledged that implementing these initiatives may face challenges, but emphasised that the government is committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that the city's development is inclusive and sustainable.
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Oppn, X users flag concerns over US envoy Sergio Gor’s visit to Army’s western command
New Delhi: A visit by the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, to Chandigarh on Monday has triggered sharp criticism from opposition leaders and social media users, raising questions about national security and foreign policy.
On X, Ambassador Gor announced his visit, writing, “Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army.”
Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) February 16, 2026
Soon after, opposition voices questioned the broader implications of the visit. Congress Kerala, in a post, commented, “Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings. Didn't they say then ‘Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?’ Compared to that, this is very small.”
Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings.
— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) February 16, 2026
Didn't they say then "Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?"
Compared to that, this is very small. pic.twitter.com/gNNuAGQBPC
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also weighed in, writing, “Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that.”
She further added, “India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to know from their own government. US Ambassador is doing the job for his nation, who is doing for us? The answer is blowing in the wind.”
Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that. India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to… pic.twitter.com/rYMq5NhJHA
— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) February 16, 2026
The visit comes against the backdrop of the growing US-India defence partnership.
Writer and political analyst @rajuparulekar commented on ‘X’, “East India Company is back!”
“Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in india?” asked another user.
Several X users expressed concerns over the appropriateness of the visit.
One asked, “Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in India?” Another wrote, “Why an ambassador visiting our army places? To talk to Chandigarh lobby for F-35?”
Why an ambassador visiting our army places ? To talk to chandigarh lobby for f-35 ??
— Rohan Sagar (@RohanSagar03) February 16, 2026
“We have completely sold Indian sovereignty. Rothschild the evil Bankers will now control NSE. Modi sold Bharat Mata to Trump . And now American imperialist is visiting our army command . Scary,” wrote another user.
“The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?,” opined another.
The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?
— Aditya Pratap Singh (@Adi_IIMCIAN) February 16, 2026
On Sunday, Gor welcomed Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), highlighting efforts to expand the growing US-India defence partnership.
In a post on X, Gor wrote, “Delighted to have @INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo in India to expand the U.S.-India defense partnership. Now is the time to strengthen vital cooperation between our two nations.”
On Monday, Admiral Samuel J. Paparo Jr visited the headquarters of India’s Western Army Command along with the American envoy Sergio Gor. The delegation was briefed on the formation’s capabilities, its past operations, and future plans.
The American delegation also visited Bengaluru, where they met three start-ups, two in the space sector and one in defence, and participated in an Indo-US conference.
