Bengaluru, October 6 (Daily Kiran) : In Bengaluru, a proposal to establish five police commissionerates has led to a heated exchange between the Congress government and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). On Tuesday, Home Minister Priyank Kharge defended the restructuring plan, while BJP leader R. Ashok voiced strong opposition.
The government’s proposal aims to create five commissionerates—Central, North, South, East, and West—under a Chief Police Commissioner. Kharge emphasized that the jurisdiction of Bengaluru police already extends beyond the boundaries of the Greater Bengaluru Authority. He argued that, given the city’s rapid growth, a reevaluation of its policing system is essential.
Kharge noted that Bengaluru is among Asia’s fastest-growing cities, with a growth rate of approximately 8.5 percent, projected to continue until 2035. He stated that the proposal would be presented to the Cabinet, and the government intends to consider the opinions of all stakeholders before making a final decision. Kharge mentioned that discussions with relevant parties have already taken place, with further consultations planned to determine the best course of action for the city.
The restructuring plan also includes renaming the current police commissioner to “Chief Commissioner of Police” and creating additional police posts. However, Ashok criticized the proposal, alleging that the government is prioritizing financial reasons over administrative efficiency. He described the move as detrimental to Bengaluru’s police force, claiming that several officers have privately expressed concern about the proposal.
Ashok contended that the creation of five commissionerates would not benefit Bengaluru and questioned the rationale behind the government’s restructuring. He pointed to existing financial strains affecting current civic bodies and criticized the proposed administrative framework, questioning whether these changes would indeed improve policing in the city.
Furthermore, Ashok has requested information from Secretary Anjum Parvez regarding renovation works at Vidhana Soudha and Kumarakripa Guest House for ministers and officials. He warned that if this information is not provided, protests would ensue, and he intends to publicly raise the issue.
While the government presents this proposal as a measure for administrative and policing reform, the BJP has raised concerns regarding its structure, costs, and effectiveness.
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