BJP Leader Mocks Karnataka Governments 100-Day Celebration Amidst Infrastructure Issues

Bengaluru, September 10 (Daily Kiran) : R. Ashok, the leader of the opposition in the Karnataka Assembly and a senior BJP figure, ridiculed the celebration marking Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s 100 days in office. His remarks came on Thursday as Shivakumar launched various initiatives at the ‘Dhrida Karnataka Sankalp: Shataka Da Patha, Pragati Ratha’ event held at Vidhana Soudha.

Ashok accused the Shivakumar administration of prioritizing grandiose projects while Bengaluru’s infrastructure deteriorates. He stated, “While Bengaluru is falling apart, the D.K. Shivakumar government is focused on showcasing its grandeur by constructing towering monuments.”

During the event, Shivakumar unveiled several initiatives, including Seva Van, Raitha Chaitanya, a CSR portal for schools, free bus passes for students, and a mobility application. He also announced plans to distribute five lakh housing sites to landless families.

Criticizing the proposed redevelopment of the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) headquarters, Ashok pointed out that while the city struggles with inadequate infrastructure, the BDA plans to demolish existing buildings to erect a 30-story headquarters, despite those structures being in good condition.

He questioned the necessity of tearing down buildings constructed in 2004, arguing that they are well-maintained. “This is not development; it’s a blatant disregard for priorities,” he asserted.

Ashok expressed environmental concerns regarding the redevelopment, alleging it could impact the tree cover in one of Bengaluru’s green spaces, Kumara Park West. He opposed the high-rise construction on T. Choudiah Road, citing existing traffic congestion that a new tower would exacerbate.

“This proposal reflects misplaced priorities while citizens have been waiting for years for BDA sites and infrastructure improvements,” he said. “Bengaluru does not need a 30-story BDA monument; it needs urgent repairs to its long-overdue infrastructure.”

He urged the state government to focus on improving roads, water supply, and civic amenities instead of extravagant redevelopment projects. “Build roads before towers. Provide facilities before monuments. Serve citizens before bureaucratic arrogance,” Ashok concluded, criticizing the plan to commercialize the site during the BDA headquarters redevelopment as irresponsible use of government property.

Ashok accused the Congress government of misusing public land and institutions for large projects, emphasizing that the BDA should concentrate on its primary responsibility: the development of Bengaluru, not its self-redevelopment at the city’s expense.