Bengaluru Touted as ‘City of the Future’ by Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar at Davos

Bengaluru/Davos: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar showcased Bengaluru as a global investment hub at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, calling it the “City of the Future.” Addressing international investors, business leaders, and policymakers, Shivakumar highlighted the city’s talent, opportunities, and potential for inclusive growth, appealing for greater corporate and foreign investment.

A Strategic Move on the Global Stage
Shivakumar’s speech was widely seen as a strategic effort to position Bengaluru not just as a city, but as a powerhouse of technology, knowledge, and innovation. As both Deputy CM and Chief of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, Shivakumar also used the platform to strengthen the city’s image ahead of the upcoming municipal elections, which are being held after a decade.

Bengaluru’s Transformation and Investment Appeal
Shivakumar emphasized that Bengaluru, often called India’s IT and knowledge capital, is evolving rapidly and offers immense opportunities for global partners. He assured investors of a supportive environment for business and inclusive development. The Deputy CM’s promotion of the city on a world stage is also intended to attract new companies and talent to the capital.

Political Context: Municipal Elections After 10 Years
Bengaluru has not had elected representatives since the last municipal elections in 2015, when the BJP won 100 seats and Congress secured 76. The term of the last elected representatives ended in 2020, and the municipal corporation has been under administrative control since. The Karnataka State Election Commission has announced that elections will be held after May 25, 2026, using a ballot paper system. Shivakumar’s Davos showcase is viewed as part of the Congress party’s preparation for these elections.

Urban Reforms: A Modernized BBMP
In September last year, the Congress government restructured the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), ending its 18-year-old structure and creating a new three-tier system. The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), chaired by the Chief Minister, now oversees city-wide planning and development, with Shivakumar serving as vice-chair. The BBMP has been divided into five separate municipal corporations—Bengaluru Central, East, West, North, and South—with a total of 369 wards. This new structure will be a key focus in the upcoming elections, alongside the government’s development record.

Looking Ahead
Shivakumar’s Davos appearance effectively combined global investment promotion with domestic political strategy, presenting Bengaluru as both a world-class city and a political showcase for the state government.