Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, sparked a considerable uproar on Wednesday with his remarks about Bengaluru's persistent traffic and infrastructure challenges. He suggested that even divine intervention could not resolve these issues overnight.
His comments were swiftly criticized on social media, with many people blaming the state's ruling Congress government for delayed projects and the city's ongoing traffic woes.
"Bengaluru can't be changed in two or three years. Even God can't do that. It can be changed only when proper planning is done and executed well," Mr. Shivakumar remarked, during the inauguration of a workshop on road construction.
His comments come at a time when residents and urban planners in Bengaluru are voicing concerns over deteriorating traffic conditions, delayed metro projects, and insufficient public transportation. Critics point out that while the government has proposed ambitious infrastructure projects, the execution has been slow and erratic.
Economist and Aarin Capital Chairman, Mohandas Pai, challenged Mr. Shivakumar’s statements, questioning the government's progress in addressing Bengaluru's infrastructure issues. "Minister DK Shivakumar, it has been two years since you assumed office! We welcomed you as a strong Minister. But our lives have worsened!" Mr. Pai expressed on social media. He highlighted that significant infrastructure projects are still incomplete, that footpaths remain in poor condition, and that public transport is lacking. He urged for urgent actions, including the immediate purchase of 5,000 electric buses, a cleaner, more walkable city, and 24/7 work on the metro expansion.
The opposition BJP also criticized Mr. Shivakumar, accusing the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government of incompetence. "It's unfortunate that someone who once promised to elevate 'Brand Bengaluru' now claims that even God can't fix it. Then who can?" said BJP leader Mohan Krishna to NDTV. "The government should be focused on development, not other distractions."
In response, Mr. Shivakumar later mentioned that his government has released a handbook addressing all pending issues in Karnataka's capital. This includes plans for designing new roads and bus stands aimed at alleviating the city's severe traffic problems.