The Karnataka assembly elections are finally over and the verdict is sealed in the electronic voting machines. The strict enforcement of the model code of conduct by the Election Commission has been welcomed by one and all but it could still not fully prevent the blatant use of money power, especially in Central Karnataka, where the mining lobbies were in full operation. The bomb blasts at Hubli and Jaipur also created a flutter.

The people of Karnataka are eagerly looking towards an integrated and holistic approach to planning for sustained development, combining environmental, economic, cultural and social aspects along with political stability. IT has become the heart and soul of Karnataka, especially Bangalore and Mysore. Any government that takes over must take forward the IT revolution that was started by the Congress in 1976, with the Electronic City Initiative, followed by the International Technology Park in 1993 and the e-governance initiatives in 2000.

However, the problems associated with rapid urbanisation in Bangalore has led to a number of social and economic problems, including poverty, hunger, homelessness, crime, and diseases.

The citizens of Bangalore keenly await the formation of a new government which will address the important issue of an independent regulatory authority for the real estate sector, property tax reforms and repeal of the capital value based system. Traffic is also a key issue in Bangalore and every citizen wants the new government to come out with a comprehensive Integrated Traffic Management Plan for the city. Now that the new airport at Devanahalli has become operational, high speed connectivity will be the prime concern for the incoming government.

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