Bengaluru: BJP workers staged a protest on Wednesday in Bengaluru over the city’s worsening pothole problem, targeting the Congress-led state government. The demonstration took place in the Yelahanka area and was led by BJP MLA from Yelahanka, S.R. Vishwanath.
BJP protests over potholes
The protest reflects growing public frustration with road conditions in Bengaluru, which some industrialists have criticised, while Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy recently labelled the city as the “city of potholes.” BJP workers accused the state government of neglecting civic infrastructure ahead of the upcoming Karnataka elections.
During the protest, participants demanded immediate action to repair the city’s roads and improve traffic safety. The demonstration has intensified political debate over civic administration and urban infrastructure in Karnataka.
DK Shivakumar defends state government
Responding to the criticism, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar highlighted the government’s ongoing pothole-filling drive. “Listening with Purpose. Acting with Impact. Every day, nearly 1,000 potholes are being filled across Bengaluru through coordinated efforts. Our workers and engineers are on the ground in all zones, ensuring both speed and quality in the repairs. This massive drive shows our government’s commitment to solving long-pending civic issues,” he said.
Shivakumar also pointed out that potholes are a nationwide issue and alleged that Karnataka’s problem was being exaggerated. “I travelled around Delhi just a day ago. The media must review and report how many potholes are on Delhi’s roads, including the road to the PM’s residence. Potholes are a problem across the country. Only Karnataka’s issues are being blown out of proportion,” he added.
Political blame and election tensions
The Deputy Chief Minister blamed the previous BJP government in Karnataka for the current state of roads. “If the roads had been maintained well during the BJP’s period, we would not have reached this stage. They did not bother to do anything to fix the potholes, but now they are raising this issue as the elections are approaching,” Shivakumar said.
In response, Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy had earlier criticised the Congress-led state government, saying, “It is tragic that Bengaluru is now gaining infamy as the ‘City of Potholes.’ The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister are responsible for this disgrace. Today, Bengaluru and Karnataka are trapped in the hands of the incompetent and the corrupt.”
Shivakumar countered by questioning Kumaraswamy’s contribution as a Union minister: “What is Kumaraswamy’s contribution to Bengaluru as a Union minister? The UPA government had given a lot of funds to Bengaluru under the Jawaharlal urban renewal mission. He is the right-hand man of the PM. Why can’t he get Rs 10,000 crore for Bengaluru city?”
Conclusion
The exchange between BJP and Congress leaders underscores the growing political tension in Karnataka ahead of state elections, with road infrastructure emerging as a key flashpoint. While the government highlights ongoing repair efforts, opposition parties are using civic issues to mobilise public opinion and challenge administrative performance.