Deputy CM says government working to fill thousands of potholes
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday responded to criticism over the city’s pothole-ridden roads, attributing the problem to natural causes like heavy rainfall rather than deliberate negligence.
Speaking to reporters near his Sadashivanagar residence, Shivakumar said: “We are here to sort out the problem. Potholes are caused by nature; no one wants to create them.” He added that over 7,000 potholes have already been filled, with around 5,000 still remaining.
Measures to address the issue
Shivakumar highlighted that the government has set up a system allowing citizens to report potholes directly. Additionally, a report has been requested from the city police commissioner to help prioritise and resolve problem areas efficiently.
Political accusations
Taking aim at the opposition, Shivakumar accused BJP legislators of politicising the issue while failing to utilise the Rs 25 crore allocated to each of their constituencies. “Even from my allocations, funds have gone to BJP-held areas without discrimination. Why haven’t they ensured potholes are filled?” he asked.
He emphasised that while the BJP and JDS were engaged in political attacks, the Congress-led government remained focused on addressing Bengaluru’s road issues for the benefit of residents.