‘Will Give Her Bengaluru Roads’: DK Shivakumar Responds to Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw’s Criticism of City Infrastructure

Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday responded sharply to criticism from Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, who had voiced concern over Bengaluru’s deteriorating road conditions and garbage management.

Speaking during the ‘Bengaluru Nadige (Walk for Bengaluru)’ event in KR Puram, Shivakumar told reporters that Shaw was welcome to take up road development herself if she felt strongly about the issue.

“If she wants to develop them, let her do it. If she comes and asks, we will give her the roads,” Shivakumar said, according to ANI.

💬 What Sparked the Row

Earlier this week, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw had taken to social media to criticise Bengaluru’s poor civic infrastructure after one of her overseas business partners visited the Biocon Park and expressed disappointment.

“I had an overseas business visitor to Biocon Park who said, ‘Why are the roads so bad, and why is there so much garbage around? Doesn’t the government want to support investment?’” she posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The visitor, Shaw added, compared the state of Bengaluru to China, saying he “couldn’t understand why India can’t get its act together when the winds are favourable.” She tagged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM Shivakumar, and IT Minister Priyank Kharge, urging them to act.

🏗️ Government’s Defence

In response, IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge defended the state government’s ongoing infrastructure projects.

“Work is in progress. We are growing at a rapid pace, and whatever is necessary for infrastructure improvement, we are doing it,” Kharge said, adding that not every part of the city faces the same issues.

Shivakumar’s remark has since stirred debate online, with several citizens and entrepreneurs echoing Shaw’s frustration about the city’s deteriorating infrastructure, even as the government reiterates its commitment to improving Bengaluru’s roads and civic amenities.

Originally published on newsworldstime.com.