Bengaluru, Sep 24 (NationPress) The BJP in Karnataka has initiated statewide protests on Wednesday in response to the Congress-led government’s failure to address the pothole crisis and inadequate road infrastructure.

Party MLAs and leaders participated by blocking key roads for an hour.

BJP state President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra remarked, "Mr. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who oversees Bengaluru, the Bharatiya Janata Party is protesting the pothole-ridden roads and urging accountability from your government. As you've mentioned, bring a report on the roads across the country, including the route to the Prime Minister’s residence, and present it at the protest site. You will witness the public's outrage, ready to hold your pothole-ridden government accountable for its failures."

In Yelahanka Old Town, Kempegowda Ward in Bengaluru, the BJP organized a protest condemning the Congress government for executing substandard and unscientific asphalting works, which have led to potholes appearing throughout the constituency. Protesters claimed that this negligence has resulted in numerous road accidents and fatalities.

The leaders blocked the road and also conducted a pothole-filling campaign under the guidance of Yelahanka Assembly MLA, S.R. Vishwanath. Many BJP leaders and workers from the constituency took part in this initiative.

Vishwanath, who spearheaded the protest, called for immediate action to fill the potholes. He accused the Congress government of corruption and pointed out that the unscientific and substandard asphalting works have already led to potholes forming on all roads in the area.

A blockade protest was also conducted near Kanteerava Studio in Mahalakshmi Layout by the BJP, condemning the state government’s negligence in addressing pothole repairs.

Former MLA N.L. Narendrababu, Bengaluru North District President S. Harish, State Media Cell Co-Convenor Prashanth K.D., and party workers were present at the protest.

Narendrababu highlighted that Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar himself noted the existence of 10,000 potholes in the city and insisted that repairs should extend beyond mere rhetoric, urging officials and engineers to emerge from their air-conditioned offices and take tangible action to protect lives.

S. Harish critiqued the Congress government, stating that it lacks funds to repair potholes across 28 Assembly constituencies in Bengaluru. He pointed out that Dy CM D.K. Shivakumar had claimed that ₹1,100 crore was allocated for pothole repairs and questioned which potholes had actually been addressed. He called for a detailed accounting of the entire ₹1,100 crore fund.

As part of the ongoing protests by the BJP demanding repairs to the poor condition of roads statewide, including in Bengaluru, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashoka and other leaders will also protest in the Basavanagudi Legislative Assembly constituency.