"Potholes Caused By Nature": DK Shivakumar Amid Backlash Over Bengaluru Roads

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar Addresses Bengaluru's Pothole Crisis

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar

Bengaluru:

In response to mounting criticism over Bengaluru's pothole situation, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who also serves as Bengaluru Development Minister, clarified on Saturday that potholes emerge naturally, particularly due to heavy rainfall, rather than being deliberately created.

During a media interaction in Bengaluru, Shivakumar remarked, "We are working to resolve this issue. The BJP is playing politics, which is their prerogative. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is convening a meeting this evening. Potholes result from natural factors; nobody intentionally creates them."

He explained that the increasing number of vehicles, heavy traffic congestion, and excessive precipitation in Bengaluru have contributed to the proliferation of potholes.

"We've already repaired over 7,000 potholes, but more than 5,000 still remain on Bengaluru's roadways. We have requested the Police Commissioner to provide a comprehensive report on the pothole situation," Shivakumar noted.

"Regular citizens are also reporting these issues. We cannot prevent the BJP from engaging in political maneuvers. Whether they block roads or take other actions, our focus remains on finding solutions. I have allocated funds to BJP MLAs in their constituencies without bias, despite having discretionary authority," he continued.

Shivakumar posed a question: "After receiving funding, why didn't the BJP MLAs address the pothole problem? Even now, we are disbursing Rs 25 crore for BJP MLAs. They should fulfill their responsibilities."

Previously, when criticized about IT companies departing Bengaluru due to inadequate road infrastructure, Shivakumar had stated on Thursday, "No one can threaten or blackmail the government. I will not impede anyone from leaving."

Criticizing the Deputy Chief Minister's statements, the Karnataka BJP maintained that demanding accountability should not be characterized as threats or blackmail.

The BJP has declared plans to organize a one-hour roadblock protest across all Assembly constituencies in Karnataka, including Bengaluru, on September 24, to demonstrate against the state's "substandard" road infrastructure.