India, Oct. 12 -- Dr Bhushan Gagrani, commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) - one of the country's largest and richest civic bodies -- and a Mumbai resident for 25 years reflects on the complexity of running the city, as he dwells on reforms, investment and the upcoming civic elections with Linah Baliga. He speaks candidly about the criticisms faced by BMC, the rationale behind controversial decisions such as partial privatisation of services, infrastructure investments, fiscal discipline and efforts to make the civic body more responsive and transparent.

Excerpts from the interview:

As you're the face of the BMC, and link between the common man and the institution--how do you see your role and the role of the BMC...