BANGALORE: The Janata Dal (Secular) and BJP understanding at the State level does not seem to have had any effect on the relations between the parties in the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) Council. These parties, which together form the Opposition in the BMP, are divided over the reintroduction of the controversial `pay and park' scheme.

It was first reported in The Hindu on December 9, that the BMP was seriously considering a proposal to reintroduce the controversial scheme, which was scrapped by the former Mayor R. Narayanaswamy.

Sources in the BMP said on Friday that the proposal to bring back the scheme was likely to be placed at the council's subject meeting on Saturday. This issue was likely to result in a clash of opinion between the two Opposition parties in the council.

Sources said Mayor Mumtaz Begum and BMP Commissioner K. Jothiramalingam had realised that it was inevitable for the BMP to reintroduce the scheme as it had not been able to chalk out alternative measures either in terms of revenue (loss of Rs. 5 crores annually) or disciplined parking on the roads. The Mayor along with top BMP officials had reportedly discussed the matter with the former Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh soon after the mayoral elections.

The then city Police Commissioner S. Mariswamy had objected to the withdrawal of the scheme. He had even written to Mr. Jothiramalingam, asking him not to scrap the scheme, as it would lead to an increase in vehicle thefts. "Following all these developments, the previous Government had sent back the Council resolution, which will be tabled in the council on Saturday," sources said.

The JD (S) members, who are in favour of the scheme, have decided to ensure that it was reintroduced. "It was a foolish thing to scrap the scheme. We have been opposing the withdrawal right from the beginning and we are firm on our stand. Our party will ensure that the scheme is reintroduced in the interest of citizens as it will help in disciplined parking," JD (S) floor leader in the Council B.R. Nanjundappa said.

But the BJP is adamant about its demand. "A continuous agitation by the BJP had resulted in the scrapping of the scheme. We will not allow it to be reintroduced at any cost. Even if that happens, we are confident of getting it scrapped again because our party is part of the Government now," BJP leader A.H. Basavaraju said.

"This is the first difference of opinion between the parties after the new coalition was formed. We are wondering whether it will transform into major clashes in the future," a senior Congress member quipped.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail