In the past, political parties in Karnataka, especially those relying largely on the rural electorate, have chosen to give Bangalore the go-by in their larger political calculations. With only 15 seats (Congress won 10 and the BJP five) at stake until the last polls in 2004, Bangalore did not enjoy high priority despite being the prime economic driver of growth for the state.

After delimitation, however, the number of constituencies that make up Bangalore has shot up to 28 and the urban region is being viewed with increased interest by the main political parties. Even the Janata Dal (S), whose leaders have publicly thumbed a nose at Bangalore in the past, has joined the Congress and the BJP in dedicating a special section in its manifesto for Bangalore. Excerpts from what the manifestos of the main political players say about Bangalore:

The problem...

Congress: Need for new administrative set-up due to increased size of city area, collapse of infrastructure, lack of permanent solutions for waste disposal, lack of basic services to poor, lack of implementation of master plan.

“Disaster happened when the previous coalition government of JD(S) and BJP together destroyed the brand name of Bangalore by sheer negligence and contempt”.

BJP: Manifold increase in vehicular traffic, insufficient infrastructure, inadequate water supply, polluted environment, lack of facilities to the urban poor.

“Bangalore is under pressure to retains its ‘global city’ status. It is not enough to invite investors; human resource must also be nurtured”.

... contd.