Bengaluru, Feb 18 (NationPress) In a strong reaction to BJP MLAs obstructing garbage trucks from disposing of waste at designated locations within their districts, Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who also oversees Bengaluru Development, criticized the opposition on Wednesday. He accused BJP legislators of engaging in blackmail and disrupting vital civic operations.

He cautioned that if such actions persist, waste may need to be disposed of in front of BJP offices and the homes of BJP leaders.

This remark came during a press briefing in Bengaluru on Wednesday, amid rising tensions regarding waste management and protests against dumping in specific regions.

Shivakumar stated, “All MLAs are engaging in blackmail, stating that garbage should not be discarded in their areas while seeking funds and other benefits. They should maintain their dignity. If not, I may have to take action under the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA).

“Whether it’s an MLA or anyone else, if they try to halt garbage vehicles, we will dispose of the waste at their residences or in front of BJP offices. Just yesterday, BJP leader Arvind Limbavali blocked trucks. Today, BJP MLA Dheeraj Muniraju did the same. Where should the garbage go? It could end up at the home of the Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka or the State BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra. The waste will go to the BJP headquarters,” he asserted.

“That’s the reality. Who do they believe they are blackmailing? Garbage must be disposed of somewhere. We are executing our responsibilities as they have been done in the past,” Shivakumar added.

When questioned about the opposition from BJP MLAs regarding waste disposal, Shivakumar claimed they were demanding development funds for their areas and resorting to blackmail to obtain them.

Addressing inquiries about accidents involving garbage trucks, Shivakumar acknowledged, “I concede that mistakes may have occurred. If an accident has taken place, legal actions will follow. The accident should not have happened, but it did. Nonetheless, halting garbage trucks is unjustified.”

He added, “Starting tomorrow morning, garbage trucks will be dispatched to dumping sites in the districts of MLA S.T. Somashekar and Minister Krishna Byre Gowda in Bengaluru. This is not a novel approach; it’s how it has been managed previously. We have acquired two locations for garbage disposal and have initiated tenders as per legal protocols. We are in the process of resolving certain legal issues.”

Tensions escalated on the outskirts of Bengaluru after over 300 garbage trucks heading towards Doddaballapur were halted by local residents and BJP leaders opposing waste dumping in the area on Wednesday.

As per local reports, the trucks were redirected towards Doddaballapur town following protests against garbage disposal in Mahadevapura in Bengaluru. The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) had reportedly issued directives to reroute the vehicles as part of waste management strategies.

However, the movement of trucks was interrupted after a recent road incident that resulted in a child's death, heightening public frustration and resistance to waste disposal in the area.

The trucks were obstructed near the Dodda Mankala region, where residents, led by BJP MLA Dheeraj Muniraju, protested against garbage dumping. More than 300 vehicles were reportedly stopped from advancing.

Regional Transport Office (RTO) officials were summoned to the location, and fines were imposed on several trucks for violations, as per sources.