Harsh Goenka Criticizes Karnataka Deputy CM for Dismissing Bengaluru Infrastructure Concerns

Bengaluru:

RPG Enterprises Chairman Harsh Goenka has criticized Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar for his response to Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw's comments about Bengaluru's deteriorating infrastructure.

In a social media post on Sunday, Goenka expressed disappointment with what he described as politicians' sensitivity to criticism, stating: "When Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw spoke up about Bengaluru's crumbling infrastructure, instead of fixing it, they turned it into politics. Now they'll pressurize her to post 'positive tweets.' So typical - attack the critic, not the problem."

Goenka's comments came after Shivakumar suggested that Mazumdar-Shaw and former Infosys CFO TV Mohandas Pai, who have both voiced concerns about the city's infrastructure issues, were motivated by "personal agendas."

Shivakumar, who oversees Bengaluru's development, claimed the business leaders hadn't raised similar concerns during previous administrations. "They have some personal agenda with them. I tell them openly, 'Why didn't they open their mouths during the BJP regime?'" he told reporters.

Mazumdar-Shaw promptly refuted this assertion, responding: "Not true. Both TV Mohandas Pai and I have criticised deteriorating infrastructure in our city during previous BJP & JDS Governments. Our agenda is clear. Clean up and restore roads."

Shivakumar later reinforced his position, acknowledging Bengaluru's significant population growth and transportation challenges. He noted that the city now hosts approximately 1.40 crore residents, with about 3,000 new vehicles registered daily and a total of 1.23 crore registered vehicles.

"Those who have started businesses here have grown. After growing big, they have forgotten from what stage they have grown into what stage now. If you forget the root, you will not get the fruit," Shivakumar remarked, in what appeared to be a reference to the business leaders.

The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted the government's "fix my pothole" campaign, which allows citizens to report road issues via WhatsApp. He added, "I welcome all the criticism, no problem. Because criticism increases the value of democracy. But some are doing it too much, and these things won't bother me. People have given us an opportunity, and we want to serve them."