Congress, BJP wage flex war over Namma Metro launch in Bengaluru

The stretch from Dairy Circle, along the new metro corridor, has turned into a showcase of rival political messaging.

Bengaluru: The inauguration of the Namma Metro Pink Line has triggered a political display of strength by the Congress and BJP, with workers of both parties competing to put up banners, flex boards and buntings along the route ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the city.

The stretch from Dairy Circle, along the new metro corridor, has turned into a showcase of rival political messaging. Congress workers have installed large welcome banners highlighting Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, while BJP supporters have put up flex boards welcoming Modi. Party flags and buntings have also appeared along the route, adding to the political colour ahead of the inauguration.

The contest comes after an earlier war of words between the two parties over credit for the expansion of the city’s metro network. With the inauguration approaching, workers appear keen to project their respective leaders as the driving force behind Bengaluru’s infrastructure development.

While BJP supporters have displayed party flags at several locations, Congress workers have concentrated on installing buntings and welcome banners. The competing displays have made the metro corridor a visible arena for the political rivalry even before the new line is opened to commuters.

Namma Metro began operations on October 20, 2011, with a 6.7-km stretch between Baiyappanahalli and MG Road on the Purple Line. Over the years, the network expanded in phases and reached 96.1 km. With the addition of new stretches, the overall network is set to extend to around 103 km.

The city’s four corridors comprise the Purple Line, connecting Whitefield and Challaghatta over 43.49 km; the Green Line, linking Madavara and Silk Institute over 33.46 km; the Yellow Line, running between RV Road and Bommasandra over 19.15 km; and the 21.26-km Pink Line, connecting Kalena Agrahara and Nagawara.

The Pink Line includes a 13.76-km underground section and a 7.5-km elevated stretch. The elevated section from Kalena Agrahara to SG Palya is part of the project being opened for operations. The new corridor is expected to improve connectivity to several important parts of Bengaluru.

The inauguration has therefore become more than an infrastructure event, with the Congress and BJP using the occasion to reinforce their political claims over the city’s development.