IBNLive Chat:'Bangaloreans need to walk the talk'

BRAND SPEAK: Brand expert Harish Bijoor feels that people have to stay positive about Brand Bangalore.

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Keywords: IT, Brand Bangalore, Karnataka, Assembly Elections 2008

If Brand Bangalore has been plagued by civic woes, infrastructure problems and a shadow of terror, political instability has dented Karnataka's overall image in the past year.

What should be the priorities of the new government that comes to power? What steps are needed to restore the brand equity of Karnataka and Bangalore?

In an online chat organised by IBNLive.com, brand expert Harish Bijoor tries to explain the Bangalore story and the branding lessons needed for India's IT capital.

Jay: Hi Harish! Do you think a London-style Mayor, the one elected directly by the people will work for Bangalore? Overcoming political compulsions may be in a limited way...

Harish Bijoor: Jay, our political leadership will not allow this. There is too much at stake!

Rao: Harish did you vote?

Harish Bijoor: Ravi, I did! And am proud of that!

Ravi: Eliminate all forms of linguistic fervour. Keep politicians out of key decisions involving Bangalore's image makeover. That will help.

Harish Bijoor: Ravi, idealistic suggestions. But! We live in a real world! An impure world even! Bye everybody! Was great being with all of you on this chat. I am positive about Brand Bangalore! Stay with me on that!

Jimmy Page: Do you think that there is a feeling in Bangalore, that the locals have been deprived of benefits to which they stake a rightful claim on? Is there any validity to such claims in a globalised world? Though I am sure such attitude will certainly portray Bangalore in a bad light, do you think there is anything that can be done about it? Especially when the politicians try to rouse such sentiments to gain votebanks. Also what kind of effect will incidents such as the recent outrage over an allegedly anti-Kannada poem, have on brand Bangalore or should I say Brand Bengalooru?

Harish Bijoor: I don't believe there has been unfair treatment to the local people. Where there is merit, it has been rewarded. Time to wrap up then. Let's all stay positive about Brand Bengaluru! For a start, at the next Lok Sabha elections atleast, can we hope to see a 90 per cent voting number from Bangalore Urban? Bangaloreans need to walk the talk. Not just talk the talk!

Satish: If Bangalore is accorded "statehood" like Delhi cutting it away from the rest of Karnataka, do you feel that politicians ruling will be more responsible and ensure overall development of the city which would in turn increase Bangalore's brand equity?

Harish Bijoor: Satish, I have been suggesting the status of the Union Territory for Bangalore instead. Back me on this dude!

Kewl: How do you see Bangalore 5 years from now?

Harish Bijoor: Kewl? A beautiful city. A progressvie city. Beautiful Bengaluru! Younger people will call it Bengaluru and older people will call it Bangalore!

R Arun Kumar: Hai Harish, very good evening. According to you what can be done for the slow running infrastructure project completion like the NICE road etc, so that Bangalore traffic jams can be reduced. I think even if a new government comes, these problems are not going to be solved?

Harish Bijoor: Arun, I believe decisive answers are necessary. Decisive actions. We need strong Ombudsmen for this city. A strong Sheriff even! We need city-commitment! I believe this can be done with strong PPP movements. We will drive for this as a group of committed citizens of this city. Let the new government form!

Rajesh M S: Hi Harish, I need to understand with respect to comparing Bangalore with other places. During S. M Krishna's tenure of Chief Minister, he was aiming at making Bangalore like Singapore. Now in this election I am hearing from BJP, Bangalore and Karnataka, need development like Gujarat. Also I came to know, Karnataka was the second favoured destination for investments during 2003-2004, but now it has slipped to seventh place. How about Gujarat regarding preference for investments now and before, which should be our model for development i.e. Gujarat or Singapore? Is Bangalore a local brand or global brand to compare with?