Daijiworld Media Network 

Bengaluru, Feb 28: A delegation from the Karnataka BJP, led by Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka and State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra, met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday, ahead of the presentation of the 2025-26 state budget. The delegation submitted a memorandum requesting a special grant of Rs 15,000 crore specifically for Bengaluru.

The state budget for the 2025-26 financial year is set to be presented on March 7, with the Budget Session of the Assembly beginning on March 3.

The delegation, comprising BJP MLAs, MLCs, MPs, and National Yuva Morcha President Tejasvi Surya (Bengaluru South MP), along with Rajya Sabha members from Bengaluru, met CM Siddaramaiah at his official residence, Cauvery, to discuss the allocation of funds for Bengaluru's development.

 The delegation urged the state government to earmark Rs 15,000 crore for Bengaluru’s development in the upcoming budget, to expedite ongoing projects and initiate new ones. They also demanded that Rs 150 crore be allocated to each Assembly constituency in Bengaluru.

Addressing the city's long-standing parking problems, the BJP proposed the construction of at least 100 new vehicle parking complexes in the city. They also raised concerns about the severe traffic congestion on Hebbal Road, which leads to Bengaluru International Airport. The delegation called for the creation of parallel approach roads to the airport, as well as the development of a second route from Bagaluru and Begur to the airport to ease the traffic burden.

In addition to addressing traffic issues, the BJP requested separate funds to make Bengaluru’s roads pothole-free, emphasising that the deteriorating condition of the city's roads was not only damaging its image but also endangering public safety.

Vijayendra stated, “The Congress-led government has introduced the ‘Brand Bengaluru’ concept to enhance the city’s image. However, comprehensive development is essential to transform this concept into reality. Bengaluru has 16 MLAs and three Lok Sabha members. We are committed to the city’s development and refuse to mix politics with progress.”

He went on to criticise the state government for the lack of funding for Bengaluru’s development projects since the Congress came to power in 2023, which he said had resulted in insufficient resources for vital city improvements.

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka added, “Bengaluru generates more than 60% of the state’s revenue, which funds a significant portion of the government’s schemes. However, the allocation for the city is disproportionately low compared to the revenue it contributes.”

Ashoka further pointed out that for the past two years, due to a lack of funds, even minor development works had been neglected in Bengaluru. Three months ago, the government released a Rs 10 crore grant for constituencies, but he argued that this amount was grossly inadequate to meet the city’s needs.

Before submitting the memorandum, the BJP delegation also felicitated CM Siddaramaiah at his office.