Karnataka's Pothole Crisis: Pressure Mounts as Deadlines and Criticism Intensify

Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, DK Shivakumar, has announced that efforts to rectify Bengaluru's notorious pothole problem are progressing rapidly. Shivkumar assured the public that both engineers and workers are actively engaged to ensure repairs are both prompt and of durable quality. The government promises to provide roads that meet the aspirations of the capital's residents.

Shivakumar also confirmed that the Chief Minister has imposed an October 31 deadline to finish the repairs, alongside a pledged Rs 750 crore to effectively address the city's pothole woes. Meanwhile, the BJP has criticized the Congress-led administration for the deteriorating road conditions, with recent protests highlighting the issue. BJP MLA K Gopalaiah led demonstrations accusing the Congress of mismanagement, terming Bengaluru as a 'pothole city'.

In response to these allegations, Shivakumar attributed the pothole crisis to the previous BJP government, arguing that the problem escalated during their tenure. He also cited heavy rains as a contributing factor to the severe road damage. This issue gained further attention after a fatal accident involving a young student, which sparked widespread criticism and intensified the political dispute over the city's infrastructure.

(With inputs from agencies.)