Is Bengaluru Really ‘Greater’ or Just ‘Looters’ Bengaluru?

Synopsis
In light of the recent devastating floods, Union Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy has strongly criticized the Karnataka government. He claims that Bengaluru has become ‘Looters Bengaluru’ due to rampant taxation and mismanagement. With residents suffering from incessant waterlogging, the city's reputation is at stake. Discover the unfolding political drama behind this environmental crisis.
Key Takeaways
- Kumaraswamy criticizes the Karnataka government.
- Flooding raises concerns about infrastructure management.
- Residents suffer due to poor drainage systems.
- Political tension escalates as blame is exchanged.
- Government pledges to visit affected areas.
Bengaluru, May 19 (NationPress) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H. D. Kumaraswamy has criticized the Karnataka government over the devastating floods in Bengaluru, asserting that this city is no longer ‘Greater Bengaluru’ but has transformed into ‘looters Bengaluru’.
“Every week brings a new tax or price increase. Are residents expected to passively accept whatever is imposed upon them? Why isn’t the lake water flowing into the lakes? The commissions have been drained away from the very water itself. The Bengaluru depicted in vibrant advertisements now struggles for breath,” stated the Union Minister.
“Where is all the revenue going? What happens to the money generated from the hard work of city dwellers? How much is collected, and how much is actually utilized?” he inquired.
He emphasized the lack of progress in repairing potholes and the absence of a proper system to manage drainage waste. “Every single day witnesses a ceremonial groundbreaking for a new project, a mere ritual. This is not ‘Greater Bengaluru’, this is ‘Looters Bengaluru’,” he remarked.
In the meantime, the JD-S Karnataka unit took to social media platform X to further criticize the state of Bengaluru's floods.
“Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, you are unfit for your role as the Minister responsible for Bengaluru,” the JD-S expressed on X.
They highlighted that under the Congress administration, Bengaluru's citizens endure daily hardships, with numerous areas inundated and floodwaters infiltrating residences.
“When residents voice their concerns, your response is to blame them, claiming homes were poorly constructed. In this so-called Silicon City, the drainage systems are clogged, and silt remains uncleared. A mere hour or two of rain transforms roads into lakes,” they claimed.
The party further lambasted the state government, asserting that due to its ineptitude, Bengaluru's reputation is being compromised on a global scale.
“Even after two years in power, the Congress government has yet to repair the pothole-riddled roads in Bengaluru. You have capitulated to the garbage mafia, and in your pursuit of commissions, you have turned the garden city into a waste city,” the party stated.
JD-S noted that this situation clearly illustrates the government's total administrative failure.
In response to the outcry regarding flooding and waterlogging in Bengaluru, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar have announced plans to visit the rain-affected areas in the city.