Even as Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike Mayor S.K. Nataraj has sought the transfer of Commissioner Siddaiah, Urban Development and Law Minister S. Suresh Kumar on Thursday opposed the “abrupt transfer” of any officer — including that of Mr. Siddaiah — as it would affect developmental works besides sending the wrong message.
Detrimental move
“Any official should be given a specific minimum tenure after taking over a particular responsibility. It is not proper to transfer them within six to eight months,” the Minister told reporters on the sidelines of an international conference while replying to queries on the soured relationship between the Mayor and the Commissioner.
The Hindu had reported about the tension brewing between the two, which came to a head with Mr. Nataraj complaining to the Chief Minister on Tuesday against Mr. Siddiaiah's style of functioning, reportedly seeking the official's transfer.
‘Not good for city'
When specifically asked about the Siddaiah episode, the Minister said: “That is only incidental. I'm against the abrupt transfer of any official as that is not good for the city's health.” It takes six to eight months for officials to get into the groove and development would get affected if they are transferred soon, with their replacements taking time to settle down, he added. Asked if he would intervene to patch up things between the Mayor and the Commissioner, Mr. Kumar said he would if he was asked. He suggested that differences should be sorted out through mutual discussion or third party intervention, and went on to add he was aware of the tiff only after reading media reports. Replying to queries on the BBMP not getting the grant of Rs. 1,300 crore earmarked in the present State Budget, he said the issue would be discussed during the pre-budgetary meetings for the forthcoming budget.
