BJP MP Tejasvi Surya Clashes with Karnataka Deputy CM Over Bengaluru Tunnel Road Project

BJP MP Tejasvi Surya (L) and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar (R).

Bengaluru:

Karnataka BJP MP Tejasvi Surya has responded sharply to Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's recent characterization of him as "young and inexperienced," calling the remarks "an insult to the youth of India." This exchange follows Surya's criticism of the state government's proposed Bengaluru Tunnel Road Project.

Surya accused Shivakumar of promoting an "ageist mindset" and questioned the personal nature of the attack. "You may have rejected my idea about encouraging Bengaluru residents to use public transport, but now you're resorting to name-calling? You asked, 'Who are you?' I am a common Bengaluru resident, a common Kannadiga," Surya stated.

The BJP representative criticized Shivakumar for launching personal attacks rather than addressing substantive questions about the Tunnel Road Project, which aims to alleviate Bengaluru's notorious traffic congestion. "If you think I'm raising this issue for political reasons, call the experts. They will also oppose it," Surya asserted.

Surya further alleged that the Congress government is 'anti-public transport,' claiming "A war against public transport has been launched by DK Shivakumar." Responding to Shivakumar's suggestion that he should use public transit, Surya countered, "I am a regular user of autorickshaws and the metro. I just don't make an event out of it... it is part of everyday life."

The MP argued that the proposed tunnel project would primarily benefit car owners, calling it "unscientific and a waste of public resources" designed to cater to millionaires. He emphasized that Bengaluru's real need is improved public transportation infrastructure.

Addressing Tesla and X CEO Elon Musk's support for the tunnel project, Surya remarked, "Elon Musk owns a car company and a tunnel-boring company. It's only natural that he will support projects that benefit his businesses. Bore tunnels... but use them for public transport."

Previously, Shivakumar had dismissed Surya's criticisms, saying, "The boy is still young and inexperienced. I don't want to talk... He keeps talking about the tunnel road... but who is he?" The Deputy Chief Minister added, "I thought of giving him an opportunity and hearing him out... but he twisted the matter. Why does he move around in a car? Let him also take public transport. Don't ask me questions connected to him... he is a waste material, according to me."