DCM Orders Rs 10 Crore Allocation for Bengaluru Roads, Excludes Jayanagar, Sparking Controversy

BENGALURU: The Karnataka government’s recent order allocating Rs 10 crore for road development in each assembly constituency within the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) region has triggered controversy. Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) and Bengaluru Development Minister DK Shivakumar, who announced the allocation, omitted Jayanagar from the funds. The exclusion has drawn criticism from the opposition, particularly the BJP, which sees it as a case of political bias.

The BJP has accused the ruling Congress party of practicing “vendetta politics.” Jayanagar MLA CK Ramamurthy, representing the BJP, voiced concerns that the government’s move penalises Jayanagar residents, saying, “The DCM speaks about Brand Bengaluru. Does his Brand Bengaluru dream exclude Jayanagar?” He noted that Jayanagar urgently requires financial assistance for maintaining roads, parks, and drainage systems. BJP State President BY Vijayendra has also highlighted the issue, stating that the BJP will expose the Congress government’s alleged bias.

Funds Allocation and Oversight Concerns

Under the order issued using the DCM’s discretionary powers, each assembly constituency within the BBMP region will receive Rs 10 crore, with Anekal—part of Bengaluru Urban district—receiving Rs 5 crore. This totals Rs 265 crore in funding aimed at improving Bengaluru’s road infrastructure. However, according to a senior BBMP official, Jayanagar’s exclusion may have been an oversight, as Yelahanka assembly constituency was listed twice in the order. The official clarified, “The DCM aims to develop Bengaluru and will not discriminate. A revised order without errors is likely to be issued soon.”

Road Repair Necessity Amid Record Rainfall

The decision to release funds for road repairs follows the recent severe rainfall in Bengaluru, which resulted in thousands of potholes across the city, impacting North Bengaluru and IT hubs such as Mahadevapura, Bommanahalli, and Sarjapura Road. The poor road conditions have disrupted daily commutes and prompted urgent calls for infrastructural improvements.

Opposition Pushback and Political Tensions

The exclusion of Jayanagar from the funds has provided the BJP with an opportunity to criticise the Congress-led administration. Alleging that the DCM’s actions are politically motivated, the BJP has intensified its stance, asserting that every Bengaluru constituency deserves equal access to development funds, irrespective of political representation.