'Welcome to Brand Bengaluru': JDS, BJP slam Congress govt as city witnesses heavy waterlogging

BENGALURU: In the wake of incessant rainfall leading to severe waterlogging across Bengaluru, the JDS and the BJP launched sharp attacks on the Karnataka govt, accusing it of failing to manage the city’s crumbling infrastructure.
Taking to social media platform X on Tuesday, the JDS took aim at chief minister Siddaramaiah and deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar, criticising their so-called 'visionary' governance amidst the city's rain-induced chaos.

“Welcome to Brand Bengaluru! Where a physically challenged woman falling into a pothole during heavy rains is just another day in paradise. While @siddaramaiah & @DKShivakumar keep patting themselves on the back for their 'visionary' governance, the city's crumbling infrastructure is doing all the talking. BBMP's mastery in turning roads into death traps is unmatched. Bravo on setting new standards of neglect and irresponsibility," the party wrote in a scathing post.
The city’s persistent infrastructure issues also drew criticism from BJP state president BY Vijayendra, who specifically targeted deputy CM Shivakumar for his handling of Bengaluru’s development.

"Thank you, DCM DK Shivakumar, for painting a visionary picture of Bengaluru—a dreamland with sky-high decks and underground wonders. It was almost like stepping into Alice in Wonderland. Yet, Nature had a different script in mind. Just one generous downpour was enough to shatter those glossy dreams," Vijayendra wrote on X.
He further questioned the govt’s preparedness to deal with the city's day-to-day challenges, saying, "On paper, the Tallest Towers and Underground Tunnels certainly sound ambitious. But the real question remains—does your govt have any concrete plans to address the day-to-day struggles of those living on the ground?"
Responding to the criticism, chief minister Siddaramaiah assured that the govt took necessary steps to provide relief for those affected by the downpour.
“We took measures and are prepared to provide relief for the damage caused by the heavy rains and natural disasters,” Siddaramaiah said in Mysuru on Tuesday. "We are closely monitoring the rain-related disasters. All preparations are made, and site surveys are underway. We will provide the necessary relief," he added.