LS elections 2014

Media has been asking what Bangalore BJP MPs can do in new government, especially since the MPs are from the ruling party. Two things come to mind.(a) Make the Commuter Rail project happen. This has been pending for so long, and for such flimsy reasons that it is a shame that we are the only metro without suburban rail connectivity. Over half a million people will benefit daily, and it will also lessen the load on the city. If we also figure out how to create a second airport in the south (between BLR and Mysore) and a new railway station…

Well - it’s time for some reflection on our part, while you are done with voting and busy with daily work. We trust you are the kind who will vote for a good candidate, not a traditional voter who will cling to a particular party all through your life. That’s why we put in hard work to compile a lot of data for you to decide which candidate is what. Let us confess: We are a small team. We don’t have the kind of manpower to chase each one of these candidates - still we feel we did our best.…

This election day in Bengaluru — Thursday, 17th April 2014 — the proof of whether you have done your duty will be on your left thumb! Yes, as per the instructions of the Election Commission of India, the indelible ink shall be applied on the left thumb of voters in Karnataka. Many of you may have decided whom you are going to vote for. For those who are undecided, or wanting to know more about the candidates, here are some links to help you choose or change your mind. What can our MPs do to protect Bangalore's lakes? A point…

Alright — so we’re all getting ready to vote throughout the country. Some states have already completed polling. Bengaluru's turn is tomorrow. How do you decide? This election, in particular, is seeing massive interest from all around the country. However, at least some of this interest is generated because of the silly way in which the Congress and BJP are continuing to differentiate themselves from each other, when the reality is far murkier. See through the “vote for PM” distraction First of all, on the BJP’s ‘Modi for PM” campaign, this country does not have a presidential system of government,…

Bangalore Central candidates at the BPAC debate. Pic: Shree D N Here are the Bangalore Central MP candidates' responses to common questions about the Lok Sabha General Elections 2014. This has been compiled by Bellandur ward resident, Nagesh. Candidates from all major political parties were asked some direct questions at the BPAC meet. A citizens' team from Bellandur emailed them a questionnaire. This document lists the verbatim responses of the candidates for both series of questions. Before you go through these responses, a few cautionary notes: The statements are reproduced “as is” basis. A fact-check may reveal that some of the…

Answers to the questions sent by residents from Bellandur ForumBy: Nandini Alva (Candidate for Bangalore Central from JDS)   1.If you get elected, what will you do, to prove to voters that you are honest and communicate to us about your work transparently? Will you commit to a monthly communication - email/website and/or public meeting? How can we residents send you our concerns and how will you act on those concerns? Nandini Alva: I will be launching a CitizensConnect platform shortly specifically to hear Citizen concerns and issues. This platform will have an office in each of the Assembly constituenciesunder…

Bellandur residents had posed a series of questions to all the candidates contesting from Bangalore Central for Lok Sabha Elections 2014. This is the email response we received from INC candidate, Rizwan Arshad.   1.If you get elected, what will you do, to prove to voters that you are honest and communicate to us about your work transparently? Will you commit to a monthly communication - email/website and/or public meeting? How can we residents send you our concerns and how will you act on those concerns?   There will be monthly updates on my official site and associated social networks.…

Lake boundaries and fencing, sewage inflow, dry inlets, garbage dumping, encroaching hutments, weeds, funding for restoration and maintenance… These are some of the problems faced by Bangalore’s lakes. And these are problems that could be solved by the intervention of the municipality, local corporators and/ or MLAs. Can the MPs help?         "Lakes", as a part of the environment, finds mention in the Constitution of India. Article 51A Part IVA lists eleven Fundamental Duties of every citizen of India, and one of them reads as below. “It shall be the duty of every citizen of India… to protect and…

  Bellandur residents had posed a series of questions to all the candidates contesting from Bangalore Central for Lok Sabha Elections 2014. This is the email response we received from AAP candidate, V. BalaKrishnan.   1.     If you get elected, what will you do, to prove to voters that you are honest and communicate to us about your work transparently? Will you commit to a monthly communication - email/website and/or public meeting?  How can we residents send you our concerns and how will you act on those concerns?   I am committed to bring transparency in allocation, deployment, usage of…

Public Letter To PC Mohan, Bangalore Central from Bellandur Forum (RWA/Residents group of Bellandur - BBMP Ward 150)     Dear Shri Mohan,   Residents of our ward had been looking forward to hearing all candidates in a large public forum - unfortunately that has not happened. However we have a few questions for you, especially as the MP who has represented us in the last 5 years.   We will share your message with the 15000+ voters represented by the RWA members in our forum. Look forward to your response.   1. Give examples of 1-2 issues you have…