DK Shivakumar
Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru’s guardian minister D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday defended the formation of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), declaring it a bold step to overhaul city governance, infrastructure, and civic accountability.
Responding to reports that BlackBuck CEO Rajesh Yabaji expressed frustration over poor roads, potholes, and traffic snarls in Bellandur and hinted at moving the company out of Bengaluru, Shivakumar said:
“If companies want to go, let them go. But no one can threaten or blackmail the government. Bengaluru cannot be matched anywhere in India. This city has the talent, infrastructure, and global standing that no other city can offer.”
Shivakumar accused certain IT voices of using “blackmailing tactics” instead of cooperating with the government. He insisted that corporates should also demand financial support from the Central Government, since their taxes flow directly to Delhi. “Why are MPs not raising these questions in Parliament? Why should only the state government bear the entire cost?” he asked.
Outlining his infrastructure vision, the Deputy CM announced that Karnataka will invest ₹1.25 lakh crore over the next four years for road upgrades, elevated corridors, and major projects. “I have directed officers to make pothole-free roads and ensure cleanliness. November is the deadline — and officers are accountable,” he said.
The minister also revealed that 111 km of flyovers and 44 km of double-decker elevated corridors are already approved and under process. “Bengaluru is growing rapidly, with over 1.4 crore residents and thousands of new companies arriving each year. GBA will provide a governance structure to manage this scale,” he added.
Dismissing criticism from rivals, Shivakumar reiterated: “Every major company chooses Bengaluru because it offers opportunity and global competitiveness. No political games or blackmail can change that.”
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