Bengaluru’s ongoing battle with potholes has ignited a wave of online commentary, with citizens using humor and satire to highlight the city’s infrastructure problems. Many are pushing back against narratives that dismiss criticism of civic issues as coming from ‘outsiders’ or ‘Delhi agents’. A particularly resonant sentiment circulating online declares that “Only the potholes are 100% local.”
Viral Sarcasm Highlights City’s Woes:
This sharp observation quickly gained traction, prompting a flurry of equally witty and critical responses on social media. One user drew a stark parallel between the city’s condition and a severe illness, stating, “Bangalore is now a stage 4 cancer patient. Invasive potholes have metastasized everywhere. No surgery can save the patient. Only palliative care works until the patient dies. Unless citizen immunotherapy kicks in big time.”
Others joined in with playful remarks about the enduring nature of potholes, quipping, “Outsiders come and go, but potholes? They stay, grow, and get their own postal code.” There was even a touch of self-deprecating humor about local pride, with some suggesting that the very existence of these potholes proved they couldn’t be truly ‘Kannadiga’ – implying that only the potholes themselves were a permanent fixture in Bengaluru.
The prevailing sentiment was captured by a sarcastic quip: “Meaning only potholes should stay here permanently.”
Government Intervention Promises Action:
In response to the growing public concern, the state government has pledged to tackle the pothole menace head-on. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has directed the Chief Commissioner of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), M Maheshwar Rao, to ensure that all potholes across the city are repaired within a week. Furthermore, the Chief Minister has ordered the application of a fresh layer of tar on roads to improve their overall condition.
These directives were issued during a recent groundbreaking ceremony for road modernization and white-topping projects in the Gandhinagar assembly constituency. Assurances have been made that the state government remains committed to substantial investment in Bengaluru’s development, recognizing the critical need for enhanced infrastructure to support the city’s burgeoning population.
Please note: This report includes content that originated from social media. The information has not been independently verified by Hindustan Times, and no endorsement is implied.
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