“Even Roads Near PM Modi’s House Have Potholes,” Says Karnataka Deputy CM

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar has defended the state government against criticism of Bengaluru’s damaged roads, saying that potholes are a national issue, not unique to Karnataka. He pointed out that even roads near Prime Minister Modi’s residence in New Delhi have potholes, and urged media and IT companies not to single out the state alone.

What Was Said:

• Shivakumar told reporters that road problems, especially potholes, exist across India, including in New Delhi.
• He asked media to check and report how many potholes are on the road leading to the Prime Minister’s house.
• He also claimed that portraying potholes as a problem only in Karnataka is unfair and politically motivated, especially with civic body elections approaching.

Steps Taken & Current Status

• Despite heavy rainfall, Shivakumar says the government is filling “about a thousand potholes daily” across Bengaluru’s five corporations.
• The government is reportedly doing daily work to patch up the worst potholes.

Criticism & Political Angle:

• The Deputy CM blamed the previous BJP government for not maintaining roads, saying that if maintenance had been done earlier, the current pothole situation wouldn’t be so severe.
• Opposition leaders have criticized the government’s response, arguing that the problem has become dangerous for commuters and hurting Bengaluru’s reputation.

Why This Topic Resonates:

• Bengaluru is home to many tech companies, and its infrastructure problems, especially roads, have been repeatedly cited by businesses and employees as a hindrance.
• Commuting issues, safety concerns, and the cost (both in time and vehicle wear & tear) are significant for everyday citizens.
• The political stakes are high. With local elections near, issues like road maintenance become a litmus test for governance.

Conclusion:

D. K. Shivakumar’s remarks underline the broader reality: potholes are not a local problem but a nationwide one. While the criticism of Bengaluru’s roads has been sharp, the Deputy CM’s response seeks to put the issue in perspective by pointing out that even high-profile roads in Delhi are not immune. What remains to be delivered is whether repair efforts are enough, timely, and long-lasting.