‘Mockery of democracy’: Civic groups slam move to delay Bengaluru civic polls again
Civic groups in Bengaluru are protesting the state government's decision to further delay municipal elections. Activists argue that the lack of elected representatives is hindering local governance and leading to unscientific urban planning.
Why it matters
The absence of local elections undermines democratic accountability and prevents residents from having a voice in city infrastructure projects.
Civic groups and activists have termed the State government’s move to seek yet another extension for the Bengaluru civic polls an absolute “mockery of democracy” and an attempt to burden the city with unscientific projects without citizen participation.
Activist V. Ramprasad said the move is “effectively trampling on the constitutional right to local self-governance and participatory democracy”.
Sneha Nandihal of I Change Indiranagar said that in the absence of elections, citizens have been forced to settle for whatever little governance the bureaucratic administration provides. “We have reached a point where we are saying, let anything happen,” she said.
The activists pointed out that the absence of an elected body has restricted citizens from expressing their views, resulting in limited public participation and leading to the unscientific planning and execution of projects.
They cited the elevated corridors, tunnel road, and several other projects that are moving ahead despite strong public opposition.
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