Talking to the media with reference to the recent BBMP Council meeting, Loksatta spokesperson Mr. C N Deepak expressed great disappointment with the manner in which the Council meeting was conducted.

While Mr. Deepak believed the BBMP Council should form its Standing Committees very soon, he disapproved of the way in which dissent was expressed by the opposition parties, the Congress and the JD(S). Such disturbances and walk-outs deprive the Council of opportunities to discuss many meaningful development initiatives.

"But it is not fair to blame the corporators alone for this pandemonium, since they are only 'actors' of the larger 'script' written by their political parties." Mr. Deepak felt that they are only emulating what their senior leaders are doing in Parliament and the Karnataka legislature. The only difference is that what one does in Parliament, the other gives back in the BBMP Council meetings. He jokingly added that political parties should take a lesson from the proverb "Do to others what you want them to do to you!"

The youth spokesperson said that these incidents point to the culture of intolerance and dictatorship prevalent in the political parties. The only hope now lies with a party that will usher in a new culture of tolerant and democratic politics.

Concluding his statement, Mr. Deepak expressed regret with the fact that the BBMP Council passed about 43 infrastucture projects estimated to be worth Rs.2000 crores without discussion. Some of the projects related to construction of parking lots, development of lakes and roads which are of primary concern to citizens.