Click to play videoBangalore: Bangalore is famous not just for great weather, IT companies and terrible traffic. It is the city of a large intelligentsia – aware public citizens who have actually participated in governance or tried to make governments toe the line of development.
But what is it that they want from the new government?
“I think the first major expectation is to make Bangalore democratic,” said environmentalist Leo Saldanha. “Almost all decisions in Bangalore are undemocratic, be it infrastructure or services or anything you see around. So democratise local government, de-centralise effectively and make sure the BBMP is not run by bureaucrats but by elected representatives – that's the first biggest priority in Bangalore.”
Author and historian Ramachandra Guha had a slightly different take,
"Reaping the fruits of the economic growth, I think should be the top priority," he said.
Koshy's in Bangalore is a popular meeting place. It is a place where coffee and conversation can be had for a small price. These days, the talk there is about the new government they have got.
"We have to combine IT community, manufacturing and agriculture," said Prem Koshy.
So the prescription is clear for the new government – make growth inclusive, pay attention to the details, and yes, reassure the minority community, given the image of the saffron party.
(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter and Google+)
displayed with permission. Use of the CNN name and/or logo on or as part of CNN-IBN does not derogate from the intellectual property rights of Cable News Network in respect of them.