Slams BJP & Kumaraswamy: “Desperate People Playing Joker Politics” | Rs 2,000 Crore Poured Into Drainage, Yet Opposition Unrelenting
Bengaluru: “Greater Bengaluru is now Water Bengaluru… but 70% of the city’s water-logging problems have already been solved,” thundered Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, confidently addressing the press from the BBMP headquarters’ War Room.
Amid intense rain-induced urban chaos and growing criticism, the DCM assured Bengalureans that the Congress-led government has acted proactively to mitigate flooding and urban disaster.
“After I took charge, 210 vulnerable areas were identified. Problems in 166 areas have been resolved. Work is ongoing in 24 of the remaining 44. We’re not sitting idle,” Shivakumar highlighted.
Rs 2,000 Crore for Drainage: 197 km of Stormwater Drains Underway
The DCM laid out the numbers:
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210 flood-prone areas identified
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166 already fixed, 24 under active work
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132 areas flagged by traffic police, with 82 resolved
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Rs 2,000 crore being invested in stormwater drainage
“Rain is a law of nature. But we must protect lives. We are aware of our responsibilities and are working around the clock,” said Shivakumar, referring to the tragic death of a woman due to a collapsed private building wall.
He also mentioned that flooding in Silk Board, Hebbal, and Yelahanka is being addressed by coordinating with the railway and infrastructure departments, especially where underpass construction has worsened water stagnation.
“Kumaraswamy & BJP Are Desperate People” – Shivakumar Hits Back
Responding to former CM H.D. Kumaraswamy calling the city "Looter Bengaluru," DCM Shivakumar shot back:
“They’re desperate. They have nothing left to say. They accuse and run away. Let them come with facts. I’m ready for an open debate,” he challenged.
When asked if the BJP’s criticism affected him, he replied with biting sarcasm:
“I’m sad I never got to play the joker. But yes, we are frustrated — frustrated because we’ve done so much, and yet they can’t see it.”
“Not Real Estate Talk, Let’s Debate Live with R. Ashok”
When pressed about allegations of being a real estate developer, the DCM retorted:
“Let’s not talk behind closed doors. Call R. Ashok and someone from the opposition. Let’s debate this live in front of the media.”
Bengaluru’s Future: Flyovers, Tunnel Roads & Over ₹1 Lakh Crore Development Push
Highlighting the massive infrastructure vision, Shivakumar outlined:
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Metro expansion
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Peripheral Ring Road
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Flyovers & tunnel roads as alternatives to cost-prohibitive road widening
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Tree fall management teams and everyday clearing of dry branches
“You can’t predict tomorrow’s wind. But we’re ready. Our teams work daily,” he said, defending the city's natural green cover despite urban challenges.
Encroachment at Manyata Tech Park: “Water Flow Restored”
Addressing the encroachment controversy at Manyata Tech Park, the DCM revealed that a court stay had delayed action, but the Disaster Management Center was alerted and water flow has now been restored.
“Always Ready for a Challenge”
On the repeated criticism from the opposition, DCM Shivakumar firmly responded:
“Let them show us what they did in their time. Bengaluru wasn’t a planned city. But we will still fix it. We’ve solved 70% of the problems already. Let’s have a public debate. I’m always ready for a challenge — on any media platform.”
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