BBMP corporators’ meeting adjourned over fake bill scam

Debate is conducted over the handing of investigation responsibilities for the fake bill scam between BJP, Congress and JDS members.

By Shubhankar Chakravorty

BANGALORE (Nov. 29)—The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s Council meeting was adjourned midway today after fierce disagreements broke out between the ruling and opposition parties over the investigation of the fake bill scam involving the BBMP.

The session, which was first suspended for 15 minutes, had to be called off finally due to protests and demonstration by the Congress, Janata Dal (Secular) party and Bharatiya Janata Party leaders.

The Council meeting started with the BBMP corporators reflecting upon the glory of the mayorship of Narayan Rao from Congress. The house was united over the views of the previous mayor on the need of both the parties at power and opposition to work in cooperation.

Mr. Sadashiva, a BJP corporator, quoted Narayan Rao, saying, “The opposition should also contribute to the running of the government and not ring off like alarm clocks every now and then.”

To that, Mr. Chandrasekhar, a Congress corporator, said, “The present BJP government needs alarm clocks because of the scams and controversies.”

The proceedings of the house were then taken over by discussions about the investigation of the fire that broke out at the BBMP on Nov. 19 and the fake bill scam.

The ruling BJP government has appointed the Criminal Investigation Department to investigate into the fire that broke out at BBMP. The BJP proposed a standing committee to enquire into the fake bill scam amid stiff objection from opposition.

The decision of appointing a standing committee was rejected by both the Congress and JDS corporators. The congress wants a Central Bureau of Investigation enquiry into the matter, whereas the JDS wants a Lokayukta hearing in the case.

House members protest in front of the mayor and the newly appointed BBMP commissioner over the fake bill scam.

“To keep the fake bill investigation free and fair, the investigating body should not be influenced by the state government,” JDS leader Padmanava Reddy said.

“CBI is a Center-controlled body and CID a state-controlled body, so Lokayukta should enquire into the case.”

Dr. Ashwath Narayana, a BJP MLA from Malleshwaram talking on the fake bill scam rubbished the complaints of scams and misappropriations and said: “It is too early to declare it a scam.

The investigation has not started yet. Let it begin first.”

The scam involves projects that were funded, but never executed. On this, Dr. Narayana said, people should see the work that is being done before accusing the BJP government of fraud.

Independent corporator Dr. Nazmi Begum said, “The matter is under investigation. It’s too early to comment on it.”

The newly appointed commissioner of BBMP, Siddalinga Gowda, introduced himself to the house talking about his past appointments and experiences.

But they did not arrive at a common consensus as to which body will carry out these investigations.