No entry for corporators' families

In a clean break from tradition, BBMP officials bar entry of corporators' kin to swearing-in ceremony citing security concerns post-stadium blasts

In a clean break from tradition, BBMP officials bar entry of corporators' kin to swearing-in ceremony citing security concerns post-stadium blasts

Life's big moments taken on an extra shine when one gets to share them with loved ones.

Bangalore got a newu00a0 set of corporators after three years and the men and women who won the BBMP polls understandably wanted their families to be present when they are sworn on Friday.

Their wish, however, will remained unfulfilled because the BBMP does not want to allow anyone other than the corporators to enter the building due to security concerns on the day.

The move marks a clear departure from BBMP tradition as corporators have always been allowed to bring two persons of their choice to the swearing in ceremony.

The kin of the newly elected corporators won't be allowed inside the BBMP council hall following security reasons.

The stricter security measures were reportedly taken in light of the Chinnaswamy Stadium blasts on Saturday.

BBMP officials are communicating the changed security situation to all concerned.

All persons who enter BBMP premises would be required to carry entry passes issued by the civic body.

"We took the decision to bar anyone other than the elected corporators to the swearing in ceremony following the recent stadium blasts.
u00a0
We are also installing extra CCTV cameras and posting 200 additional police personnel so there are no gaps in our arrangements," said Dr S Khandre, public relations officer, BBMP.

"The new measures will certainly disappoint newcomers," said Ravi Kumar, husband of Shanthakumari, a corporator.
u00a0
"Earlier, they would allow one or two family members to accompany the corporator for the swearing in.
u00a0
However, this time, we have been told that no one except the elected members would be allowed.

We were told that security issues and space constraints are behind the move. We can't really blame them if this is true," he added.

The Exceptions

Media crews, besides MPs, and MLAs, who ought to be in the council to elect the mayor will be the only others to be allowed to enter the corporation hall. Supporters of the newly elected corporators who wish to witness the swearing in can watch the live proceedings on TV in a glass house inside the BBMP premises.