Bengaluru: BBMP mulling virtual Kempegowda Jayanti

Bengaluru: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagar Palike (BBMP) is likely to organise virtual Kempegowda Jayanti celebrations in the city.

Earlier the BBMP had set the date of September 2 for the celebration of the Jayanti. However, due to the death of former President Pranab Mukherjee and the announcement of a seven day mourning period, the date was postponed to September 10.

The term of office of all BBMP members, including Mayor M Gautam Kumar, will end on September 10. As the members pressed for the celebration of the Jayanti before that date, a committee headed by the Mayor decided on the date and also decided to award 20 COVID-19 Warriors.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and following the Central government’s guidelines, no mass gathering will be held. Thus, only a small number of members: the mayor, deputy mayor, ruling party leader, opposition leader, committee chairman and awardees only will attend the ceremony, while the rest will attend virtually.

Speaking about the celebrations Mayor M Gauthamkumar said that the Kempegowda Jayanti celebration and awards distribution will be celebrated in a simple manner. BBMP members have been informed that they should be present in their respective ward and participate in the event virtually.

This was the first time that the BBMP budget was presented online. Many policy meetings were also held online. With the celebration of the Kempegowda Jayanti online, a new record will be created.

The BBMP will hold its last council meeting on September 8. According to reports, no major decision will be taken in this meeting as the council member will not be able to implement it after their term ends on September 10.