Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 18 : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday took a jibe at Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw over the latter's criticism of road infrastructure in Bengaluru, saying that she could develop the same if she wants.
"If she wants to develop them (roads), let her do it. If she comes and asks, we will give her the roads," Shivakumar said while conducting the "Bengaluru Nadige (Walk for Bengaluru)" program in the KR Puram area.
The Deputy CM further informed that the state government has allocated funds, allowing expenditure of Rs 50 crore, for the development of the region since people here have paid higher taxes.
"Bengaluru city generates Rs 6,000 crore in taxes. Out of that, this corporation gets Rs 1,600 crore. The people of this area have paid higher taxes. We have allocated funds for the development of this region. We have given permission to spend Rs 50 crore for Bengaluru," Shivakumar said.
He further encouraged citizens to report issues concerning them and assured action against government officials who demand a bribe.
"Those who haven't met me -- call 1533 and share your problems. Those who report their problems will receive a call, and we will look into the issue. If anyone demands a bribe, I have instructed that they be suspended by this evening," Shivakumar said.
"The GBA (Greater Bengaluru Authority) project is difficult for one person to handle. You (citizens) have placed several demands, like setting up Narayana Hrudayalaya Hospital. You've also requested to shift the market; I will visit and look into it," he added.
Earlier, Mazumdar-Shaw raised concerns over "poor roads" and the amount of garbage in Bengaluru. Her comments followed an overseas business visitor's tour of Biocon Park, who raised questions about the state of the city's infrastructure.
In a post on X, Shaw wrote, "I had an overseas business visitor to Biocon Park who said, 'Why are the roads so bad and why is there so much garbage around? Doesn't the Govt want to support investment? I have just come from China and cant understand why India can't get its act together especially when the winds are favourable?'"
In response to the criticism, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge told ANI that the visitor may not have seen the complete picture, adding that infrastructure work in the city is progressing rapidly.
"I am not sure which part of Bengaluru they have seen. As I have said, the work is in progress. We are growing at a rapid pace, and whatever is necessary for the infrastructure improvement, we are doing it," Kharge said.
Reacting further, Karnataka Minister MB Patil highlighted Mazumdar-Shaw's contributions to the state but said that her criticism was not in "good taste" since the development work is ongoing.