In a scathing indictment of one of Bengaluru's key urban planning bodies, Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has alleged systemic decay within the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA). He demanded an immediate end to its perceived role as a mere broker in land and development matters.
A Stern Rebuke on a Milestone Year
The strong remarks were delivered by Shivakumar on January 6, 2026, during the inauguration of a workshop focused on governance and grievance redressal for BDA employees. The timing of his critique is significant, coinciding with the organization's 50th anniversary this year.
"The BDA completes 50 years this year," Shivakumar stated, framing his comments as a wake-up call. He directly appealed to the authority's officials and staff, urging, "At least now, change the image of the organisation." His central charge was that the public views the BDA not as a facilitator of planned development but as an intermediary seeking profit.
Eradicating the 'Broker' Perception
The Deputy Chief Minister's most pointed instruction was to "Eradicate the perception that it acts like a broker." This choice of words underscores a long-standing public grievance about corruption and opaque dealings within the authority, which is responsible for shaping India's tech capital's urban landscape.
Shivakumar did not mince words about the depth of the problem, asserting that the rot exists at every level of the BDA. This suggests issues are not confined to a few individuals but are ingrained in the organization's processes and culture, requiring a top-to-bottom transformation.
Call for Systemic Overhaul and Better Governance
The workshop itself, aimed at improving governance and public grievance mechanisms, was the chosen platform for this forceful message. This indicates the government's intent to initiate reform from within by first addressing the mindset and operational ethics of BDA personnel.
By linking his demand for change to the golden jubilee milestone, Shivakumar framed the moment as a critical turning point. The implication is clear: the next 50 years must look radically different from the past. The success of this call for reform will be closely watched by Bengaluru's citizens, who have directly experienced the consequences of the BDA's alleged malpractices in housing, land allocation, and infrastructure projects.
The ball is now in the BDA's court to demonstrate tangible changes in transparency, efficiency, and public service to shed its controversial image and fulfill its original mandate as a driver of orderly development for Bengaluru.
