Bengaluru: BJP MP Tejasvi Surya on Monday took a swipe at Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, ridiculing the extravagant inauguration of a routine pothole-fixing project in the city. Surya termed it an “unbelievable spectacle” for what should be everyday civic upkeep.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Surya commented, “Nowhere in the world do you see such grand celebrations for something as basic as fixing potholes!”
He criticized the repeated use of public funds for temporary repairs and poor-quality roadwork, adding that cities in less-developed nations manage their road infrastructure better than Bengaluru. His reaction came after Shivakumar shared photos of a formal event at Sumanahalli Junction on Magadi Road, showing flower garlands, rituals, and a crowd marking the beginning of roadwork in Rajarajeshwari Nagar.
Shivakumar, defending the initiative, posted that the focus is on improving key roads, internal thoroughfares, footpaths, and drainage systems to realize the “Brand Bengaluru” vision.
The exchange underscores a growing political tug-of-war over the city’s crumbling infrastructure, as the ruling Congress and opposition BJP clash over both governance and public image.
In a related development, Shivakumar—who also oversees Bengaluru’s development—chaired a meeting on urban management. He directed officials to stop sewage discharge into lakes and ensure that only treated water is used to refill them. The responsibility was handed over to the BWSSB. Measures to combat water scarcity were also discussed.
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