Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Biocon Chairperson Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw held a second meeting on Saturday to discuss pressing civic issues in Bengaluru, marking a step toward reconciliation after their recent public disagreement over the city’s infrastructure.

The dinner meeting, hosted at Shaw’s residence, was attended by TV Mohandas Pai, Tanveer Ahmed, and BBMP Commissioner Maheshwar Rao. Sources said the discussion focused on pothole repairs, development of the Outer Ring Road, citywide clean-up drives, debris removal, and expediting Metro work along the ORR.

Civic concerns take centre stage

During the meeting, both parties reportedly discussed social media criticism of the government, and differences were resolved amicably. The administration assured action on the highlighted civic concerns with set deadlines, while seeking constructive input from industry leaders. In return, the business leaders committed to emphasising positive initiatives taken by the government in improving civic infrastructure.

This meeting follows an earlier encounter between Shaw and Shivakumar at his residence, initially convened to extend a wedding invitation. During that interaction, Shaw’s public criticism of Bengaluru’s deteriorating roads and mounting garbage became a topic of discussion. Her remarks, which received significant public attention, had caused tension with the ruling Congress party.

Shivakumar had responded by stating that such criticism “hurts the state and country,” while stressing the need for collaborative efforts to improve civic infrastructure. The ongoing exchange of comments between Shaw and Congress ministers had thrust Bengaluru’s infrastructure challenges into the national spotlight.

Constructive dialogue and social media exchange

Shaw highlighted in an X post that an overseas business visitor had expressed concern over the city’s roads and garbage, questioning the government’s commitment to supporting investment. She tagged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar, and IT Minister Priyank Kharge, calling for improved civic management.

In response, Shivakumar emphasised Bengaluru’s economic contributions and urged a cooperative approach. He posted on X, “Instead of tearing Bengaluru down, let’s build it up, together. The world sees India through Bengaluru, and we owe it to our city to rise united!”

Shaw reposted his message, adding, “I agree with you, it’s a collective effort requiring urgency and quality. Let’s show everyone how we can fix our city @DKShivakumar.”

Political perspectives

Some Congress ministers questioned why Shaw had not raised such concerns during the BJP’s tenure. Shaw maintained her focus was on garbage clearance and road resurfacing, responsibilities that fall under the Bangalore Metropolitan Area Development Authority (BMA/GBA), and called for accountability from officials for slow or substandard work.

Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad welcomed feedback from industrialists but asked why similar concerns were not raised regarding the central government. She stressed the importance of alignment between citizens and the state government to address decades of deteriorating infrastructure and garbage management, highlighting the current administration’s opportunity for meaningful improvements.

The meeting has been seen as a constructive step in bridging the gap between civic authorities and industry leaders, with both sides emphasising collaboration for the city’s betterment.