Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Defends Government Amid Bengaluru Flooding Criticism
Bengaluru, 16th October 2024: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar criticized opposition parties on October 16 for blaming Bengaluru’s recent flooding on government failures.
“It is impossible to control nature. The government is doing its utmost to address the chaos caused by the rain. The opposition should refrain from damaging Bengaluru’s reputation,” he stated while speaking to reporters at his residence in Sadashivanagar.
Regarding the heavy rainfall in the city, Shivakumar, who oversees Bengaluru’s development, announced, “A holiday has been declared for schools as a precaution. More rain is expected today, which could cause traffic congestion, so the public should plan accordingly.”
He also mentioned plans for another meeting with officials from the BBMP, police, and fire departments to assess the situation.
In response to criticism from opposition leaders on social media regarding the rainfall, he said, “Can we ask nature to stop raining? These are unexpected downpours due to cyclonic activity. The government and the residents of Bengaluru are capable of managing the situation.”
Opposition leaders have been vocal in their condemnation of the government’s response. JD(S) leader and Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel HD Kumaraswamy posted on X (formerly Twitter), “The recent downpour in Bengaluru has highlighted the complete breakdown of infrastructure! The Silicon Valley of India is now suffering due to @INCKarnataka’s negligence. The IT corridor is flooded, roads are impassable, and the city is sinking. This isn’t just rainfall; it reflects governance failure. Congress’ weak policies have damaged Brand Bengaluru, and potential investors are withdrawing, questioning how a ‘global tech hub’ cannot manage basic urban issues. It’s time to wake up! The future of the city is at risk.”
Arvind Bellad, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, echoed similar sentiments on X, stating, “Bengaluru is submerged after just one day of rain! Roads in Manyata Tech Park and surrounding areas are underwater, preventing employees from reaching work and disrupting businesses.”
He continued, “Industries are suffering due to the city’s deteriorating infrastructure, which is primarily the government’s responsibility. Is this the ‘Brand Bengaluru’ that the @siddaramaiah-led @INCKarnataka government keeps boasting about? If the city can’t handle a single day of rain, where is the planning, accountability, and commitment to its citizens?”
Shivakumar, who has been advocating for initiatives such as tunnel roads, sky decks, double-decker flyovers, and Metro extensions under his project ‘Brand Bengaluru,’ is facing mounting public criticism regarding the city’s failing infrastructure.
