Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday claimed that vested interests are deliberately highlighting potholes on Bengaluru roads to target the Congress-led government in Karnataka. Speaking to reporters, he said potholes are a common issue across the country, citing examples from Delhi and Mumbai.
Alleged political conspiracy
Shivakumar pointed out, “There are potholes on roads in every part of the country. Even in front of my house at Safdarjung Enclave in Delhi, there are 50 potholes on a 100-metre stretch. Why are potholes in Bengaluru being highlighted? It is because the media has highlighted this. It is nothing but a conspiracy against the Congress-ruled state.”
He also referred to industrialists criticising the state government for road conditions. “I appeal to all industrialists who have raised this issue to speak to the Union Government. Ask the Centre how much funding they have given to Bengaluru, despite Karnataka being the second-highest contributor in taxes to the central government,” he added.
Funding and historical context
Shivakumar cited the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) implemented during the Congress-led UPA government. “Under the mission, Karnataka used to receive crores of rupees for urban infrastructure. Why did the BJP Government at the Centre stop this programme?” he questioned.
He emphasised that the state government is addressing road issues proactively. “We have developed a mobile application to alert authorities about potholes across Bengaluru. A deadline has been set to fill all potholes, and the Chief Minister has sanctioned additional funds. We have sufficient resources and know the value of Bengaluru. Roads will be improved,” he said.
Comments on Andhra Pradesh’s IT Minister
Regarding Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh’s request for Bengaluru-based companies to relocate to Andhra Pradesh, Shivakumar said, “Andhra Pradesh is part of India. I wish him the best of luck. I don’t want to comment on this. He is free to express his views.”
Conclusion
Shivakumar’s remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of Bengaluru’s road conditions, ahead of festival season traffic. The Deputy Chief Minister stressed that the state government is taking concrete steps to repair roads while dismissing the criticism as politically motivated.