BJP Slams Karnataka Government Over Bengaluru Rain Havoc, Alleges Neglect of Public Safety
Bengaluru: Senior BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Dr. C.N. Ashwath Narayan on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Karnataka government over recurring rain-related incidents in Bengaluru, alleging that the administration has failed to protect citizens despite collecting thousands of crores through taxes and user charges.
Addressing the media at the BJP state headquarters, Jagannath Bhavan, Ashwath Narayan said Bengaluru residents now live in fear whenever it rains, as the city continues to witness flooding, infrastructure failures and loss of lives.
He alleged that the Congress government has failed to take adequate precautionary measures ahead of the monsoon season and has shown little concern for public safety. Referring to recent rain-related incidents, he said the collapse of a compound wall near Bowring Hospital had claimed seven lives, while another person died in a separate wall-collapse incident on Thursday.
“These are only the recorded deaths. There are several other incidents involving potholes, falling tree branches and civic infrastructure failures. The government has shown little concern for the lives of ordinary citizens,” he alleged.
Ashwath Narayan claimed that low-lying areas across Bengaluru continue to face waterlogging, with locations such as Marathahalli, Silk Board Junction and KR Circle repeatedly getting flooded during heavy rain. Despite these recurring problems, he alleged that the government has failed to implement long-term solutions.
The BJP leader also accused the government of burdening citizens with multiple taxes, including property tax, solid waste management charges and various user fees, while failing to provide basic civic services in return.
“The government collects thousands of crores from Bengaluru residents but has failed to ensure proper infrastructure and public safety. Every time it rains, the city is brought to a standstill,” he said.
Criticising the state government’s flagship “Brand Bengaluru” initiative, Ashwath Narayan said the programme has remained largely on paper while civic issues continue to worsen across the city.
“This is turning into a city of mismanagement. Political power struggles have become more important than addressing the problems faced by citizens. Even before the peak monsoon season has begun, Bengaluru is witnessing serious disruptions,” he said.
He further alleged that despite generating substantial revenue through agencies such as BESCOM and the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), the government has failed to utilise the funds effectively for infrastructure development and disaster mitigation measures.
Accusing the government of imposing multiple taxes and cess without visible improvements on the ground, Ashwath Narayan claimed that Bengaluru residents continue to face waterlogging, traffic disruptions and civic hardships during every spell of rain.
Bengaluru South District BJP President and MLA C.K. Ramamurthy, state spokesperson Prakash Shesharaghavachar, Bengaluru North District President S. Harish and Bengaluru Central District President Saptagiri Gowda were also present during the press conference.
About the Author
