Governor Vajubhai R Vala's nod to BBMP Bill shrouded in confusion

BENGALURU: Governor Vajubhai R Vala's assent to the Karnataka Municipal Corporations (Amendment) Bill, 2015, could take more time as he has raised some queries.

The Bill provides for the creation of two or more municipal corporations in Bengaluru in place of the existing Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).

Speculation was rife as it was not clear why Vala referred the Bill back to the State Government with queries while he also forwarded it to the President for the latter's opinion.

Law Minister TB Jayachandra told ET: "The Governor has referred it to the President, but the file has come to us. We don't know what this means". Chief secretary Kaushik Mukherjee categorically said the Bill has been sent to the President.

"But we do not know under what circumstances the Governor has sent it to the President," he said.

The Governor's assent would have the end of BBMP, in its present form. It would also have meant an end to the election process.

The delay over the Bill receiving Governor's or President's assent keeps hopes of BBMP polls on August 22, alive.

According to sources, Vala has raised some Constitutional points, which includes a view as to whether assenting to the Bill would run counter to any provision in the Constitution. Last week, members from the Opposition BJP and JD(S) had urged Vala to reject the Bill saying that it is against the interests of Bengaluru city.