Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister D.K. Shivakumar declared on Thursday that the government remains steadfast, unfazed by any “threats and blackmail” amidst the ongoing discussion about businesses potentially relocating from the city due to infrastructure woes.
Speaking at a press conference, Shivakumar took a subtle jab at Andhra Pradesh, suggesting that no one is preventing other states from trying to lure companies away from Bengaluru. He quipped, “They don’t have enough skilled workforce there, which is why they’re attempting to attract talent from our city,” in response to questions about neighboring states offering incentives to businesses.
He proudly highlighted Bengaluru’s global appeal, noting that 300,000 foreign nationals reside and thrive on the opportunities here. The city also boasts an impressive 2.5 million engineers, significantly more than California’s 130,000.
“Bengaluru possesses a robust system and an exceptional talent pool,” Shivakumar stated. “If companies find Bengaluru safe and conducive, they will undoubtedly continue their operations here.” He even referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s own description of Bengaluru as a “global city.”
Shivakumar expressed his surprise that only Bengaluru’s pothole issue garners significant attention, despite similar problems existing in major cities like Delhi and across Maharashtra.
He reaffirmed the civic body’s commitment to developing a comprehensive action plan for a lasting solution to potholes, moving beyond temporary repairs.
Shivakumar explained that just one night of rain between Wednesday and Thursday caused nearly 20 new potholes around Vidhana Soudha in central Bengaluru. “When nature unleashes such havoc, what can one do? It’s a natural phenomenon. However, we certainly won’t remain idle; it’s our duty to address these issues,” he emphasized.
Furthermore, he mentioned that the government has set a clear timeline for pothole repairs and assigned accountability. The Chief Minister has scheduled a meeting for Saturday to deliberate on this critical matter.
Addressing a recent incident where a private school in East Bengaluru had students write public letters to the Prime Minister about poor infrastructure, Shivakumar remarked, “Educational institutions involving children in writing and tweeting about politics should consider contesting elections themselves; then they’ll truly grasp the realities.”
He also brushed aside Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy’s criticism of the government for bringing the pothole issue to light.
Earlier on Thursday, Kumaraswamy had posted on X, questioning, “A government claiming to lack funds for pothole repairs must explain: where is the taxpayers’ money truly going? Whose pockets are being lined? The public demands answers.”
In response, Shivakumar challenged Kumaraswamy’s contributions to Bengaluru, asking, “Isn’t he the Prime Minister’s trusted ally? We’d be delighted… Let him secure ₹10,000 crore for Bengaluru.”