Bengaluru Set for Major Administrative Overhaul: City to be Divided into Three Corporations Under New Governance Act

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah

In a significant move aimed at restructuring urban governance, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on May 15, 2025, the potential division of Bengaluru into three separate administrative corporations. This development follows the implementation of the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act, 2024, which seeks to replace the existing Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) with the newly established Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA).

Transition from BBMP to GBA

The BBMP, which has been the primary civic body overseeing Bengaluru's administration, will be succeeded by the GBA. The GBA is designed to function as a metropolitan-level coordinating and planning body, overseeing urban planning, civic services, and infrastructure development across the Greater Bengaluru area. The Chief Minister will serve as the Chairperson of the GBA, with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar acting as the Vice-Chairperson.

During the transition phase, the BBMP will continue to operate until the GBA becomes fully operational. This phased approach aims to ensure continuity in civic services and administrative functions.

Proposed Division into Three Corporations

The Greater Bengaluru Governance Act divides the metropolitan area into up to seven municipal corporations. However, the current plan involves the creation of three corporations within the city. Each corporation will have its own elected council and mayor, responsible for local governance and civic administration. This restructuring aims to decentralise administrative functions, enhance efficiency, and address the unique needs of different regions within Bengaluru. 

Political Reactions and Criticisms

The proposed restructuring has elicited mixed reactions from political parties. The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticized the move, with party leader R. Ashoka referring to it as "Quarter Bengaluru." He argued that dividing the city could hinder its growth and impose additional tax burdens on certain areas, particularly the 110 villages that may be affected by the new administrative boundaries.

Implications for Civic Elections

The establishment of the GBA and the proposed division into multiple corporations are expected to delay civic elections in Bengaluru. The transition involves complex procedures, including boundary demarcation, ward creation, and the drawing of reservation matrices. Currently, the BBMP governs an area of 786 square kilometres, but the GBA could expand its jurisdiction to 946 square kilometres, incorporating surrounding gram panchayats. However, constitutional constraints prevent the inclusion of these villages until the end of their local terms in September 2026. Consequently, municipal elections may be postponed until late 2026.

The delay in elections has prompted legal challenges. Three BJP leaders, including former mayors, have petitioned the Supreme Court, requesting civic polls under the existing BBMP Act. They argue that the government's move to implement the GBGA is a tactic to defer elections further.

Next Steps and Implementation

The Urban Development Department is tasked with finalizing the administrative structure and responsibilities of the GBA. This includes notifying the appointed day for the Act's enforcement, defining the boundaries of the new corporations, and establishing ward committees. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is expected to convene meetings with elected representatives and stakeholders to address concerns and build consensus on the implementation process.

As Bengaluru embarks on this significant administrative transformation, the government's objective is to enhance urban governance, improve service delivery, and ensure equitable development across the city's diverse regions. However, the success of this initiative will depend on effective execution, stakeholder engagement, and addressing the concerns raised by opposition parties and civil society groups.