Damaged road in Bengaluru. File
Bengaluru is reeling from the tragic loss of a 26-year-old woman, who died in an accident on the notoriously ill-maintained Huskur–Makali Road in Madanayakanahalli on Friday, October 24, 2025. This heartbreaking incident has sparked a fierce political backlash, with opposition parties accusing the current Congress government of failing to address the city’s rapidly deteriorating road infrastructure.
Priyanka P., a dedicated employee at a private firm, was riding pillion on a scooter with her 28-year-old brother, heading to Madavara Metro Station, when their journey took a devastating turn. Reports indicate the scooter skidded on the heavily damaged road, leading to her being tragically struck by a speeding truck. Her death has sent shockwaves through the community.
While the police are still investigating the precise cause of the accident, opposition leaders have been quick to point out a disturbing pattern of deaths directly linked to Bengaluru’s crumbling road network. They’ve placed direct blame on Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, criticizing his previous attempts to downplay the issue by suggesting that Bengaluru’s potholes receive disproportionate attention compared to other cities.
R. Ashoka, the Leader of the Opposition, took to social media to express his condemnation, holding Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar personally accountable for the ongoing fatalities caused by the city’s hazardous roads.
Ashoka directly challenged Shivakumar’s ‘Walk with Bengaluru’ initiative, sarcastically asking if ‘photo shoots in Lalbagh and Cubbon Park’ were truly the solution to the city’s pothole crisis. He further accused the Deputy Chief Minister of ‘ruining Bengaluru’ under the guise of branding it, stating, ‘You should be ashamed.’
Adding to the chorus of criticism, the Janata Dal (Secular) also publicly denounced the Congress government, holding them solely responsible for the alarming number of pothole-related deaths occurring throughout Karnataka.
Through their official channels, the JD(S) questioned, ‘How many more lives must be sacrificed before the Congress government finally addresses the hazardous potholes? Innocent citizens are perishing daily on the cratered roads of Bengaluru and across Karnataka, and for this, the Congress government bears full responsibility.’
This recent tragedy echoes a similar incident from late September, where 22-year-old college student Dhanushree lost her life. She was struck by a truck near Budigere Cross after falling from her vehicle while attempting to maneuver through a heavily potholed section of road.