Rain havoc: Crores spent, zero results, say oppn; Closely monitoring, says D K Shivakumar
Bengaluru (PTI): The Opposition in Karnataka on Monday blamed the ruling Congress government for letting rains overwhelm the city, claiming that despite crores of rupees being spent on infrastructure, the result was zero.
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, also in charge of Bengaluru, said he was in touch with officials concerned and is "closely monitoring the situation".
Former Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka and MLA of Malleswaram, CN Ashwath Narayan criticised Shivakumar, saying, "Crores spent. Zero results."
Taking to 'X' he said: "Last night's rains didn't expose Bengaluru's infrastructure — they exposed @DKShivakumar's track record of the last two years of doing nothing."
Shivakumar also said in his 'X' post that he is deeply concerned by the havoc caused by relentless rains in Bengaluru.
"I've been in continuous touch with the concerned officers, and I'm closely monitoring the situation. As always, I remain committed to Bengaluru - working round the clock to address challenges and ensure relief. I will be visiting the BBMP War Room and flood-affected areas personally to take stock on the ground."
The Deputy Chief Minister agreed that the issues Bengaluru faces are not new.
"Let us be clear: the issues we face today are not new. They have been ignored for years, across governments and administrations. The only difference now is - we are working to solve them. Not with temporary fixes, but with long-term, sustainable solutions," he said further in his post on 'X'.
Shivakumar further reiterated that he stands with Bengalureans.
"To my fellow Bengalureans - I am one among you. I understand your concerns, I share your frustration, and I assure you of my commitment to resolving them. I stand with you," he wrote.
Earlier, Karnataka BJP General Secretary and MLA of Karkala, Sunil Kumar Karkala had challenged the government on 'X' to release a white paper on how much has actually been spent on Bengaluru's infrastructure in the last two years.
"Visit Silk Board once — you'll see your real contribution," he said.
Speaking at a press conference, BJP spokesperson Ashwath Narayan Gowda said "Despite the weatherman predicting heavy rainfall almost a week ago, there were no efforts made to meet any monsoon-related exigency. The Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar is directly responsible for the rain havoc in the city”.
He alleged that the Deputy Chief Minister kept repeating ‘Brand Bengaluru’ and in the last assembly session, Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill was passed.
“From Brand Bengaluru to Greater Bengaluru, and now from Greater Bengaluru, it has now become ‘Submerged Bengaluru’. This is the achievement of the state government,” Gowda charged.
The BJP leader said no development works took place in the city in the past two years, which finally culminated in rain havoc.
“Maximum taxes in Karnataka are collected from Bengaluru, but the investment required on the basic infrastructure here is not being done,” the party spokesperson said.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Who resigned from BJP when scams happened during their tenure? DK Shivakumar questions BJP
Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday alleged that irregularities in PSI recruitment took place during the BJP’s tenure and questioned why no one had resigned from the government at that time. He accused BJP leaders of targeting a Dalit minister with baseless allegations.
Speaking to reporters in the Vidhana Soudha premises, Shivakumar responded to BJP leaders demanding the resignation of Minister R.B. Timmapur. He said Timmapur had merely spoken about the corruption that occurred during the BJP government. “The BJP has no evidence to support its allegations. These are false charges. The opposition is trying to stay politically relevant,” he said.
Shivakumar dismissed the BJP’s objections to a discussion on the MGNREGA scheme, saying the party was indulging in drama to divert attention. “Let them debate the new law they brought in. They have no substance to discuss, so they are trying to shift the focus,” he said.
He added that the BJP was uncomfortable with discussions on the benefits of MGNREGA. “Under the original Act, gram panchayats had the authority to decide works in their areas. Under the BJP’s revised scheme, decisions are being centralised. Let BJP leaders explain how many cattle sheds can be built or how much agricultural land can be levelled in each village under their model,” he challenged.
Shivakumar further claimed that the new law was impractical in BJP-ruled states and said the Congress had documents to back this claim. “Let them come for a discussion. We are ready,” he said.
