Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has made it unequivocally clear that he is not intimidated by the recent threats from state contractors, asserting that the government will pursue its chosen path in addressing their complaints.
“I cannot provide a deadline to contractors, and I am not someone who will be afraid of them,” Shivakumar stated firmly on October 18. “They have submitted a budget, and the relevant corporation is well aware that we are actively working to resolve various outstanding issues.”
This resolute declaration follows a significant warning issued by the Karnataka State Contractors’ Association. The association announced its intention to release a ‘corruption report card’ detailing alleged malpractices by the state government in December. This action is threatened if pending bills, amounting to a substantial ₹33,000 crore from the past two years, are not cleared within a month. Furthermore, the association has threatened to halt all contract work and initiate widespread protests across Karnataka in the first week of December, citing persistent government inaction despite multiple discussions with the Chief Minister, Deputy CM, and other ministers.
Focus on Decentralized Civic Administration
Speaking during the ‘Bengaluru Nadige’ (Walk for Bengaluru) program held in K.R. Puram, Shivakumar highlighted the government’s commitment to decentralizing civic administration to enhance its responsiveness. He pointed out that the East Corporation alone contributes approximately ₹6,000 crore in taxes. Following the establishment of five new corporations, the government has substantially increased financial allocations, providing ₹10 crore to each corporation and ₹5 crore for various committees. Citizens are encouraged to utilize the helpline 1533 to report grievances.
The administration’s key priorities include easing traffic congestion, expanding the network of CCTV surveillance, and streamlining the process for revenue-site owners to obtain A-Khata documents. Additionally, Shivakumar announced that “all roads under city municipal corporations and panchayats that are not yet officially designated as government roads will soon be converted into government roads.”
Deputy CM Extends an Invitation to Kiran Mazumdar Shaw Amid Road Concerns
Shivakumar also issued a strong warning against corruption, stating that any officials within the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) found soliciting bribes would face immediate suspension. He underscored the importance of active citizen involvement in urban development initiatives.
Addressing recent criticisms from Biocon chairperson Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, who voiced her dissatisfaction with Bengaluru’s road conditions via Twitter and suggested that citizens might take on repair work themselves, Shivakumar responded directly: “Kiran Mazumdar Shaw has not directly spoken with me. However, I will personally invite her for a discussion. I encourage her to submit any complaints in writing. If she is genuinely interested in taking responsibility for road development, we are fully prepared to facilitate and hand over such projects.”