Thanks, but no thanks, says Gowda to bureaucrats

It is common to see even top bureaucrats queuing up before netas. Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) officials are no exception either.

But now, this practice has changed, thanks to BBMP commissioner MK Shankarlinge Gowda.

This was evident during the inspection of underpasses in the city along with BBMP mayor Shardamma. The inspection, which was supposed to begin by 11.30am, was delayed as Shardamma was at a TV studio. By the time she came back to the BBMP office, Gowda was busy with his routine work.  Shardamma, along with MLA Hemachandra Sagar, waited for Gowda, in the specially arranged mini-bus used for inspections. When Gowda arrived, Shardamma and Sagar welcomed him with big smiles. Sagar even presented him a bouquet.

The journey began and Kalasipalyam councillor Dhanraj boarded the bus at City Market underpass. He suggested that the commissioner should get down from the bus and walk with him to see the progress of work at Kalasipalyam bus stand. Dhanraj even scolded the bus driver, asking him to stop. The driver pulled over by the side.

However, Gowda declined the plan and told Dhanraj that he had already visited the spot and knew about the work’s progress. Dhanraj got down from the vehicle and bid farewell to everybody.
When asked how he could defy the norm of flattering politicians, Gowda said it is not in his nature to salute political leaders. “But it does not mean that I don’t respect them. I did not intend to make BBMP mayor R Shardamma wait. I was in a meeting at my office and it took a while to finish,” he clarified.

Top bureaucrats who kneel before netas forgetting their dignity can take a cue from Gowda.