In ‘joint vision’, Congress candidates for Bengaluru Lok Sabha seats call for special grant, metropolitan city status

In the “joint vision”, the Congress called for a one-time Special Grant of Rs 1 lakh crore from the Union Government to upgrade the infrastructure of Bengaluru, a metropolitan city status under the Income Tax Act, as well as an apprentice programme for one lakh students across the city and state to improve employability. Water security by way of protecting lakes and rainwater harvesting was also emphasised, as was building climate resilience using “global expertise” and increasing the green cover of the city.

Rajeev Gowda said, “Because of the innovation, investment and entrepreneurship here, people have come here from all over the nation… This is the growth engine of the country, and it requires fuel”.

The statement also emphasised public transit with projects such as suburban railway lines which would help satellite towns such as Bidadi, Doddaballapur and Hoskote along completion of the various metro phases and last-mile connectivity. Infrastructure for tourism and campaigns to promote Bengaluru’s cultural heritage were also mentioned.

Speaking on women empowerment, Sowmya Reddy said, “For whichever country, they say that it will progress only when women in the workforce have increased participation… Colleges, schools, and hostel and childcare facilities for women are required.”

In the Bangalore North Lok Sabha seat, M V Rajeev Gowda will contest against the BJP BJP’s Shobha Karandlaje, the Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, in the Lok Sabha elections 2024. A bastion of the BJP, Congress’s Sowmya Reddy has been fielded against sitting MP Tejasvi Surya in Bengaluru South Lok Sabha seat. Bangalore Central Lok Sabha will see Mansoor Ali Khan up against BJP’s P C Mohan, who has won the elections thrice from the constituency.

Polling in Bangalore North, Bangalore South, and Bangalore Central Lok Sabha seats along with 11 other constituencies in the state will be held in the second phase of the parliamentary elections on April 26.