Deputy CM DK Shivakumar warns officials of action if potholes in B'luru not filled within deadline
Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar on Sunday warned officials of "merciless action" if the potholes in Bengaluru city were not filled within the 15 days deadline that was set.
Shivakumar, who is also the Minister in-charge of Bengaluru city development had on September 1 set a 15-day deadline to the city civic body Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike to fill potholes across the city, citing a lot of complaints.
"I have held a meeting with Bengaluru city corporation officials, senior officials and Chief Engineers and have told them that the fifteen days deadline I had given, within that time, the work should be completed. 400 staff-engineers who are there should first focus on filling the potholes," he said.
Addressing reporters here after the meeting, he said on failing to do so merciless action will be taken against those responsible.
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"How many will get suspended I don't know, I have strictly told them that the potholes should be filled within the deadline. I have told them directly. Within their wards, those responsible, however big or small they are, from top to bottom they should be on the streets personally and get the potholes filled, that's the first priority," he added.
Shivakumar further said he will personally go around the streets of Bengaluru after the fifteen days. "Who will get suspended I don't know."
He also said that forest department officials have been asked to trim the trees to avoid incidents of tree fall due to breeze and rains.
"Trees cannot be cut, trimming should be done, to avoid incidents of tree fall."
Noting that there are chances of rains in September, Shivakumar said, "so far we have managed without any problem. We have to be cautious now. Things should be monitored from the control room, in case of any rain effects such as water logging and water entering houses, the situation should be managed effectively and efficiently. The Deputy CM said on October 2 Gandhi Jayanti, at all schools in Bengaluru, whether it is corporation or private schools, an oath would be administered to all students on maintaining cleanliness.
"We will take pledge in Vidhana Soudha, and students in their respective schools regarding maintaining cleanliness in their respective areas and creating awareness among people and in their homes."
Shivakumar said he will be travelling abroad for a week on a personal visit. To a question about the agenda of his trip to the USA and whether he will be meeting any big personalities there, he said, "it is a personal family trip.... no one, I'm going on a personal basis."
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Vartha Bharati–Sankalp predictions align closely with Karnataka bypoll results
Bengaluru: The Vartha Bharati–Sankalp election analysis has shown a high level of accuracy in predicting the outcome of the recent Karnataka Assembly by-elections held in May 2026, correctly calling winners in both constituencies and closely estimating vote share trends.
The by-elections were held in Bagalkot and Davanagere South, drawing significant political attention as both seats were seen as key tests for the ruling Congress and opposition BJP.
According to the analysis, Vartha Bharati–Sankalp had made three major projections ahead of the results the winning party, vote share percentages, and margin of victory.
In both constituencies, the platform accurately predicted that the Congress would emerge victorious. The outcome matched the projections, with Congress candidates winning in Bagalkot and Davanagere South.
In terms of vote share, the predictions were largely in line with the final results. In Bagalkot, the BJP’s vote share was forecast in the range of 40 to 46 per cent, while the actual figure stood at 42.9 per cent. The Congress vote share, however, exceeded expectations, with the party securing 55.4 per cent against a projected range of 43 to 48 per cent.
The margin of victory in Bagalkot turned out to be significantly higher than anticipated. While the projection had placed the margin between 2,000 and 3,500 votes, the final margin was around 22,332 votes.
In Davanagere South, the predictions also remained largely accurate. The Congress vote share was projected between 43 and 51 per cent, and the final figure stood at 43.9 per cent. The BJP was expected to secure between 42 and 50 per cent but ended with 40.3 per cent.
The analysis had also identified the role of SDPI as a potential spoiler in the constituency. While its vote share was estimated around 6 per cent, the party eventually secured around 12 per cent of the vote.
The margin of victory in Davanagere South was predicted to be between 1,500 and 2,600 votes. The actual margin was higher at around 5,708 votes, though the contest remained relatively close as anticipated.
Overall, the performance of Vartha Bharati–Sankalp stood out for correctly identifying the winning parties in both seats and maintaining close accuracy in vote share estimates, with only limited deviations in specific cases.
