DK Shivakumar's cryptic jibe at Bengaluru infra critics: 'Forgot roots after growing big'

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said he is unfazed by the criticism against the Congress government over poor infrastructure in the state's capital, Bengaluru, but warned some "people are doing it too much."

 

Adding the state government is taking steps to address the infrastructure challenges in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said voters have given them an opportunity, and Congress wants to serve them. Shivakumar, who is also the minister for Bengaluru development, stressed the government is taking steps to clear potholes and other issues. 

 

Shivakumar said, "I welcome all the criticism, no problem. Because criticism increases the value of democracy. But, some are doing it too much, and these things won't bother me. People have given us an opportunity and we want to serve them," he added.

 

Shivakumar's comments amid the ongoing "investment war" with Andhra Pradesh and repeated criticisms from industrialists over bad roads and traffic woes in Bengaluru. Recently, Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw criticised the state government and demanded measures to clear garbage and roads sans potholes in the city. 

 

Targeting businesspersons, Shivakumar said, "Those who have started businesses here have grown. After growing big, they have forgotten from what stage they had grown into what stage now. If you forget the roots, you will not get the fruit. Some have forgotten and are criticizing through tweets."

 

Shivakumar said Bengaluru has a population of 1.40 crore, and 3,000 vehicles are getting registered per day in the capital city. "1.23 crore vehicles are registered in Bengaluru. 70 lakh people come to Bengaluru for jobs, education and other things, and some go back. Population is increasing," he added.

 

However, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw denied allegations of personal agenda against the government. Shaw tweeted their agenda is clear: "Clean up and restore roads." 

 

 

 

 

India