BBMP mayor and commissioner bury the hatchet

After washing dirty linen in public, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) mayor SK Nataraj and BBMP commissioner Siddaiah, on Saturday, said that they would resolve their differences and work together.

“There was no misunderstanding between us. A communication gap that existed between us sparked off the confusion,” said Siddaiah.

“This shouldn’t have happened. I erred at some stage by not keeping the mayor into the loop in decision-making. I have made my stands clear and would keep the mayor into the loop henceforth,” he added.

Nataraj said difference of opinion among BBMP officials is common and there is a need to reach an understanding in the interest of public.

“Differences are bound to crop up in a family-like institution. Siddaiah has issued his clarification and we will discharge our duties in a coordinated manner in the interest of the public,” Nataraj said.

With regard to entrusting the work to Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited, Siddaiah said some works have been entrusted to KLAC, and for works supported by the mayor and deputy mayor’s fund, a resolution has been passed in the BBMP council and the it has been sent to the government for approval.

Once the government approves it, infrastructure works at the ward level would be entrusted to the KRIDL, Siddaiah added. About 90 per cent of resolutions passed in the council have been implemented, he said.