Where Did the Rs 750 Crore for Bengaluru's Potholes Go?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rs 750 crore allocated for pothole repairs is unaccounted for.
- Public protests reflect growing dissatisfaction with governance.
- The BJP criticizes Congress for neglecting infrastructure.
- Heavy rains have worsened the pothole situation significantly.
- Key regions like Kalaburagi and Chikkodi are notably affected.
Bengaluru, Oct 15 (NationPress) The leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, has raised serious inquiries regarding the ongoing pothole crisis in Bengaluru, questioning the Congress-led government about the fate of the Rs 750 crore allocated for pothole repairs.
While addressing a gathering at the BJP state office, Jagannath Bhavan in Bengaluru, he criticized the state administration for its negligence in tackling floods, droughts, and the deteriorating state of roads.
Narayanaswamy highlighted that despite the heavy rains and resultant flooding in various parts of the state, the Congress government has shown indifference.
“The BJP state president, along with myself, R. Ashoka, the Leader of the Opposition in the assembly, C.T. Ravi, and other leaders, visited flood-affected regions. Only after our visit did the Chief Minister respond with announcements, which ultimately did not reach the public,” he claimed.
He further noted that in Kalaburagi, Chikkodi, and Vijayapura, citizens have taken to the streets to protest against the Congress government. Drought conditions persist in districts such as Chikkaballapur, Chitradurga, Tumakuru, and Kolar, yet the administration remains unresponsive, he asserted.
Narayanaswamy condemned the government's inaction on road repairs, stating, “Now, this administration claims that if the BJP had executed its duties well, there would be no potholes. It’s been two and a half years since we were ousted from power. Each monsoon brings new potholes, yet the Congress continues to act as if they are in charge.”
“In Bengaluru and beyond, every rainfall results in water pooling in potholes. The visibility of the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and other ministers is only evident in these water-filled potholes,” Narayanaswamy criticized.
“Despite numerous industrialists reaching out to the government, their concerns were dismissed with arrogance—‘let whoever wants to leave, leave.’ Under the BJP's administration, we managed pothole repairs. Today, the government asserts it has invested Rs 750 crore on these repairs. If true, where has that money gone? Into whose pockets? Why do the potholes persist?” he questioned.
Present at the event were BJP state spokespersons Prakash Shesharaghavachar, Mohan Vishva, along with leaders Rudrayya and H. Hanumanthappa.