Former KAS officer and AAP’s State Spokesperson, K Mathai has alleged that Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) has illegally given permission to Avinashi Ads to install advertisement hoardings.
At the press conference held at Press Club, K Mathai said, “The place allotted to Avinashi Ads to install hoardings comes under BBMP. Hence, BDA does not have the authority to give permission to Avinashi Ads. Also, this is against the High Court order. As per our knowledge and information, the then BBMP Commissioner Manjunath Prasad had not given any permission to Avinashi Ads to set up hoardings. However, the existing corruption in BDA and BBMP has given an opportunity for Avinashi Ads to get the advertisement rights illegally.”
“How did BDA grant rights to Avinashi Ads to set up hoardings in a place that comes under BBMP’s authority? How did BDA provide a contract that actually comes under BBMP’s authority? When BDA has its own horticulture division, what is the need to do garden maintenance under PPP scheme? When BBMP limits the advertisement hoarding size to 40*20 ft, why is the permission given to set up 80*80 ft hoardings? Hebbal’s flyover comes under NHAI’s authority. How is the permission given to set up advertisement hoardings on National Highway? PPP Scheme must be used to provide essential infrastructure for the benefit of the people. How can garden maintenance come under PPP scheme?” K Mathai questioned.
“Circular No. 3/BDA/Comm/EM/EO-3/EE(ID/T-29/2018-19 issued by BDA Commissioner on 05.12.2018 and Circular No. AC(Advt)/PR/409/2018-19 issued by BBMP – If you look at these two circulars, it is clear that the BDA and BBMP are involved in the irregularities” said K Mathai.
Aam Admi Party Bangalore’s spokesperson Usha Mohan said, “K Mathai, social activist Sai Datta and few other former officials have filed a complaint against the illegal order of the BDA and BBMP commissioner regarding the hoardings. Since nothing has been actioned against them thus far, we believe there could be some beneficiaries of kickbacks. The related authorities must be investigated and questioned in this regard at the earliest possible time and the illegal hoardings must be taken down immediately.”
AAP’s Mahadevpura constituency’s President Ashok Mruthyunjaya was also present.