IAS Manivannan intervenes in BGC dispute, calls for action against ‘whistleblower’ to be put on hold

Bengaluru

In a significant development, Major Manivannan P, IAS and Principal Secretary to the Government (Cooperation Department), has written a strongly worded letter to the Bangalore Golf Club (BGC), urging the management to suspend disciplinary proceedings initiated against Shri P. Ganeshan, a wait-listed member and recent whistleblower. Manivannan is also the Commissioner of Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) and Principal Secretary to the Social Welfare Department. 

The letter, dated June 10, 2025, was addressed to the Captain and Secretary of the BGC and referred to a series of recent events, including a meeting held on May 19 and a notice issued by the Club on June 6 to Ganeshan and others. The officer emphasised that the proposed action against Ganeshan “appears to be targeting the messenger/whistleblower” for voicing concerns on behalf of associate members seeking full-time membership.

“This right can’t be muffled with probable punitive actions,” Manivannan stated, defending Ganeshan’s act of appearing before the government to present grievances of a section of the associate members. The officer called the right to raise such concerns a matter of constitutional protection under Fundamental Rights.

He also pointed out that the issue mentioned in the BGC’s notice is already under review by the government and suggested that any disciplinary action be kept “in abeyance” until further clarity.

The letter has added a new dimension to the ongoing tension between the BGC management and associate members demanding for permanent membership, indicating that the state government is closely watching the developments.