New Delhi: Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has launched a scathing attack on Karnataka Government and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, accusing him and the Congress government of gross negligence as Bengaluru reels under the impact of incessant rains.
“While people are dying and struggling to survive, Congress leaders are busy hosting a Sadhana Samavesha (achievement convention). For the past week, the focus has been on colourful, guarantee-filled advertisements instead of real governance,” Kumaraswamy said in a sharply worded media statement.
He stated that Bengaluru’s citizens are living in what he called a “branded hell,” adding that the city is suffering while its leaders are obsessed with publicity campaigns. “The real achievements of the Congress government are now floating in the city’s flooded roads and clogged drains. Do they even have a conscience? Organising a Sadhana Samavesha for a dead government is nothing short of shameful,” he said.
Targeting D.K. Shivakumar specifically, Kumaraswamy remarked, “Rather than delivering empty speeches and slandering the opposition, the Deputy CM should focus on real work. Sitting in a war room and launching proxy wars on JD(S) and BJP won’t serve any purpose. A man who cannot act has no right to speak irresponsibly — and he is clearly in that position today.”
He further questioned the credibility behind the “Brand Bengaluru” campaign. “What have you achieved to claim the name ‘Greater Bengaluru’? Who are you branding it for? Is it just a fancy label to hide large-scale corruption? For two years, all we’ve heard is ‘Brand, Brand…’ Is branding just a new way to drown Bengaluru?”
Continuing his criticism, Kumaraswamy alleged that for D.K. Shivakumar, the Bengaluru Urban Development Department has effectively become the “Bengaluru Cash Development Department.” He said, “It’s like a bottomless pot that pours currency whenever he desires. How much cash has rained in the past two years? Wherever he puts his hand, there’s money. And for the people? Never-ending taxes. How many times has Sai Layout been flooded in the last two years? And how many times has the DCM visited? What did he achieve as Urban Development Minister previously? All he did was use the ministry for personal financial growth”.
Kumaraswamy responded, “People often ask what I have done for Bengaluru. During my 20-month tenure in 2006, I initiated 58 road widening projects, launched Phase 1 of Namma Metro, and undertook the development of major roads such as the Airport Road, Nelamangala Road, and Electronic City Road. When a lake was reclaimed to build Dollar’s Colony in JP Nagar — who ensured the homes there didn’t flood? That was my administration.”
“My terms in office were limited — 20 months with the BJP, and later 14 months with the Congress. But my work is documented. I urge you to read it,” he added.
Closing his statement with a strong warning, Kumaraswamy declared, “The people have given you the reins — not to mourn over it, and not to wield the pen as a decorative item. Stop the talk and start working. If not, the same floodwaters will wash away your so-called brand.”
