Bengaluru, Feb 19 (NationPress) In response to BJP MLAs obstructing garbage trucks from discarding waste at approved sites in their constituencies, Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who oversees the Bengaluru Development portfolio, issued a stern warning on Thursday. He emphasized that the government would not accept any interference with garbage disposal efforts and indicated that those hindering truck operations would face consequences.

Shivakumar made these comments during a media briefing in Bengaluru before departing for Guwahati, Assam.

“Let them prevent the garbage trucks from dumping waste. For any MLA who halts the garbage vehicles, we will ensure that no waste is cleared from their regions. We will announce this on public address systems. Should we beg for their permission?” Shivakumar stated.

He asserted that waste must be disposed of solely at designated locations and clarified that these sites were established during both prior administrations and the current government.

“These resolutions were made during both their (Opposition) period and our government’s period. We have allocated sufficient funds. How much can we provide — thousands of crores? It’s unfeasible,” he explained.

Deputy CM Shivakumar noted that the government could release funds in stages, like Rs 30 crore or Rs 50 crore at once, and urged involved parties to comprehend the financial limitations.

He mentioned plans to find four new garbage disposal sites, although land-related complications were delaying progress. Tenders for two of the proposed sites had already been issued.

Regarding conditions in Mahadevapura, he questioned the rationale behind blocking garbage trucks.

“Whose waste is it? It is the community's waste. In Mahadevapura, they have obstructed garbage trucks. What if we decide not to clear waste from the Mahadevapura area? But we will continue to fulfill our responsibilities,” he remarked.

On his trip to Assam, Deputy CM Shivakumar revealed that multiple meetings had been conducted in Delhi, with essential strategies being outlined.

Expressing optimism about upcoming political events, he mentioned that he, along with Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, would be part of the election campaign team heading to Assam.

The entire election committee and observers would accompany them for a series of engagements. He also noted that he planned to pray at the Kamakhya temple during his visit, returning after two days.

Addressing the RTC staff protests, Shivakumar urged them to reconsider their actions. He encouraged the staff to appreciate what the government has provided and to understand the state’s financial situation while cooperating with the administration.

It is worth noting that on Wednesday, the Karnataka BJP and the Congress government exchanged sharp criticisms concerning the ongoing waste management issue in Bengaluru. BJP state president and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra dismissed what he termed as “empty threats” from Shivakumar.

In response to the obstruction by BJP MLAs, Deputy CM Shivakumar accused the Opposition of resorting to blackmail, hindering essential municipal services.

He cautioned that if such actions persisted, garbage might have to be dumped in front of BJP offices and residences of their leaders.