Politics Over A Sinking Bengaluru: Congress, BJP Trade Blame As City Drowns
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The ruling Congress and the Opposition BJP have been crossing swords, accusing each other of negligence and failure to protect the city and its people from repeated flooding
The political blame game over a rain-battered and waterlogged Bengaluru has begun as the IT capital of the country remains caught between floodwaters and fierce political crossfire. The ruling Congress and the Opposition BJP have been crossing swords, accusing each other of negligence and failure to protect the city and its people from repeated flooding.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who also holds charge of Bengaluru city, triggered controversy by claiming that only BJP-held constituencies are reeling under floodwaters.
'Such problems have arisen only in those areas where there are BJP MLAs. This is proof that they have not done any work. Congress MLAs have completed the works quickly and solved the problems in their constituencies," he said during his inspection tour of rain-affected areas across the city.
While Shivakumar promised a permanent solution to the crisis, he also hit out at the previous BJP government for its inaction. 'The BJP is criticising the problems caused by rain in Bengaluru. What work was done during their time on encroachment? Many encroachers have brought in restraining orders from the courts. However, I have instructed the officials to clear the encroachments," he said.
According to Shivakumar, out of 211 flood-prone areas, the government has managed to reduce the count to 166. 'Forty-four works are pending, of which 24 are already in progress. The number of areas facing problems is now fewer. The citizens of Bengaluru will be protected. No one needs to worry. We are giving a new look to the city," he said.
But the BJP and JD(S) are not holding back. They have accused the Congress of focusing on celebrations while the city drowns. BJP leaders have demanded a White Paper on infrastructure spending and sought the immediate release of Rs 1,000 crore for relief efforts.
Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka slammed the Congress, saying, 'Last year, they promised permanent solutions after similar floods. Today, the same localities are under water. What have they done?" he asked.
But the real verbal battle has been between political arch-rivals — Union Minister and JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy and Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
Kumaraswamy took a personal swipe at Shivakumar, calling him 'nalayak" (incompetent) and blaming him directly for Bengaluru's civic mess. Shivakumar hit back, saying Kumaraswamy was a 'frustrated man".
Shivakumar challenged his critics to a public debate: 'Call Ashoka (Leader of the Opposition) or anyone from the Opposition. Let's have a debate in front of the media. I am ready for a challenge."
The JD(S) ridiculed the 'Brand Bengaluru' campaign, calling it a 'real estate-driven farce", and said the city no longer represents 'Greater Bengaluru" but rather 'Looters' Bengaluru".
Even as the political drama plays out, Shivakumar said that action was being taken even in BJP-held constituencies, including that of former BJP minister Aravind Limbavali. 'He has raised the issue of widening the road in his area. I've asked officials to document the land acquisition challenges, and we'll take this up under disaster management. The BMRDA has issued notifications, and I'll bring this to the Chief Minister and the Cabinet," he said.
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