The Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)) party, led by HD Deve Gowda, on Tuesday criticized Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar over Bengaluru’s deteriorating infrastructure. This came after a physically challenged woman fell into a pothole on a waterlogged street in the city, sparking public outrage.
Viral Video Causes Uproar
A video of the woman struggling to get out of the pothole went viral on social media, drawing widespread attention and criticism. The JD(S) also shared the video on its official X account, adding to the uproar.
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… pic.twitter.com/qoVebti6Fd
— Janata Dal Secular (@JanataDal_S) October 22, 2024
According to various posts, the incident occurred in Varthur, a suburb located in the eastern part of Bengaluru.
JD(S) Slams Government for Neglect
The JD(S) condemned the city’s poor infrastructure, writing, “Welcome to Brand Bengaluru! Where a physically challenged woman falling into a pothole during heavy rains is just another day in paradise.” The party criticized Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for praising their governance while the city’s infrastructure continues to deteriorate.
“BBMP’s (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) mastery in turning roads into death traps is unmatched. Bravo on setting new standards of neglect and irresponsibility,” the JD(S) added in its post.
BJP Joins the Criticism
BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also reacted to the incident, criticizing the Congress-led government in Karnataka. He stated, “A physically challenged woman recently fell into a pothole in Varthur. The Congress’ loot, jhooth & scoot model has ruined Karnataka’s infrastructure, law and order, and financial stability.”
He further questioned whether Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar would take responsibility for the state’s crumbling infrastructure.
State of Affairs in Karnataka especially in Bengaluru thanks to Congress
A physically challenged woman recently fell into a pothole in Varthur
Loot, Jhooth & Scoot model of Khata Khat politics has ruined Karnataka infrastructure, law and order and financial situation
Will… pic.twitter.com/YtYPmohbm8
— Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) October 22, 2024
CM Siddaramaiah Promises Compensation
In response to the incident, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that his government would provide compensation for damages caused by natural disasters. He assured the public that the government was closely monitoring rain-related incidents and taking necessary measures to address them. “We are conducting site surveys and preparing for further rain-related challenges,” Siddaramaiah stated.
Two Children Feared Drowned Amid Heavy Rains
As Bengaluru faced relentless rains over the past week, two children—a brother and sister—were feared drowned in Kengeri Lake, according to police reports. The children, who lived in a nearby slum, went missing on Monday evening.
Another viral video showed severe waterlogging at Kendriya Vihar apartments near Yelahanka Lake, further highlighting the city’s struggles with flooding.
Schools and Anganwadi Centers Closed Due to Rain
Bengaluru Urban Deputy Commissioner Jagadish G ordered the closure of schools and Anganwadi centers on Monday due to the heavy rains. This marked the second time within a week that schools were shut because of the weather.
Residents faced challenges as several areas were submerged, making travel difficult. Trees were uprooted in various parts of the city, adding to the disruption of daily life.
Yelahanka Lake is reminding Kendriya Vihar that apartment is on its land. After last night’s torrential rains, today’s scene. Time to demolish it and reclaim the lake property. Whoever has built it has to pay compensation to house owners. #BengaluruRains Pic – Via R Bharatadri pic.twitter.com/ieH4tpeNbW
— DP SATISH (@dp_satish) October 22, 2024
