Shyam Sundar Vattam
Mysuru
The State Government’s ambitious “Greater Mysuru” project, which aims to expand the city’s limits by merging several surrounding towns and villages, has run into rough weather even before taking off. The proposal, mooted by the Congress-led government, is being seen as “hurried, undemocratic and opaque” by many, as there is no elected body in place to deliberate on the matter in the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC).
The five-year term of the MCC council ended two years ago, and since then, the city has been functioning under the commissioner. Despite repeated demands from citizens and civic groups, the urban local body elections have not been held. Observers believe the ruling Congress fears a setback in the polls, given growing urban discontent.
“No Mandate, No Discussion, Yet a Mega Project!”
According to law, any proposal of this nature—especially one with major financial, administrative, and developmental implications—must be placed before the urban local body for discussion and approval. However, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who hails from Mysuru district, seems keen on pushing the project through without the involvement of local representatives.
“The Greater Mysuru plan cannot be steamrolled without the voice of Mysureans. The government must first restore democracy at the local level,” said Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, voicing strong opposition to the move.
“Without consultation, it looks more like a political project than a people’s project,” he added.
Legal and Civic Concerns Mount
Civic activists point out that the proposal violates the spirit of the 74th Constitutional Amendment, which guarantees devolution of power to urban local bodies. “If there’s no council to discuss, approve or reject the proposal, how can the government even float such an idea?” questioned Dr. Shankar Prasad, a retired urban planner.
There is growing talk that citizen forums may move the court challenging the legality of the decision. The proposed expansion reportedly includes nearby areas like Hootagalli, Srirampura, Kadakola, and Rammanahalli, which will drastically alter the administrative and developmental character of Mysuru city. Critics argue that this will only benefit real estate developers and land speculators, not the ordinary citizens.
“Greater Mysuru” or “Greater Confusion”?
A former mayor of Congress party said, “Every government that comes to power wants to leave a footprint in Mysuru. But development must be inclusive and transparent. Where is the consultation?”.
Opposition leaders too have joined the chorus. BJP MLC A.H. Vishwanath said, “The Congress talks about protecting the Constitution but is the first to violate it. They are afraid of facing the people. How can they speak of Greater Mysuru when they can’t even hold civic elections?”
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has defended the government’s stand. “We want Mysuru to grow in a planned manner. The idea is to ensure better coordination between urban and peripheral areas,” he said. “Discussions will be held at the right time,” he assured, though critics dismiss it as an afterthought.
Citizens Demand Clarity
Residents of Mysuru are demanding clarity on the purpose, benefits, and implications of the proposal. Many fear that the new setup could lead to higher taxes, land acquisition issues, and bureaucratic red tape.
As one citizen forum member put it, “If this plan truly benefits Mysuru, why hide the details? Why not consult the people first?”
Until then, “Greater Mysuru” remains more of a political slogan than a civic vision, with clouds of confusion, opposition, and legal uncertainty hanging over it.