Biocon’s executive chairperson, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, sparked fresh debate over urban decline by comparing Bengaluru and Gurugram — India’s most affluent cities — and criticizing state governments for neglecting essential public services.
Responding to an impassioned post by entrepreneur and columnist Suhel Seth on X, Shaw remarked, “This is the reality for every prosperous city. Bengaluru mirrors Gurugram. Governments exploit these economic hubs without accountability for basic amenities or infrastructure. Construction laws are violated purely for financial gain.”
Seth had condemned Gurugram at a recent Indian Express event in Delhi, calling it “a national embarrassment.” He highlighted the poor urban governance, joking that Gurugram “recreates Venice every monsoon with flooded roads and no government support.” He added, “The city has more liquor shops than traffic lights, more pubs than schools. How can we expect smart cities with foolish leadership?”
Shaw’s pointed comments resonated online, with citizens across India echoing her sentiments. Users criticized urban decay in Bengaluru — from frequent waterlogging and severe traffic snarls to unchecked real estate development.
One user commented, “The government missed an opportunity to create a well-planned Bengaluru with lakes and greenery. Instead, it’s all concrete and chaos.”
Another noted, “Urban planning is obsolete. There are no standards for population density or open space. Roads are just extended parking lots now.”
A third added, “We’ve been promised ‘smart cities’ for decades, yet we lack even the most basic infrastructure.”
Shaw’s critique has reignited widespread frustration over failing civic systems in India’s urban powerhouses.