Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar met at his residence on Tuesday. This meeting comes a few days after a public spat in which the two had a heated argument over Bengaluru’s poor civic order and infrastructure. Although the purpose of the meeting was said to be to invite a wedding, but according to sources, Shaw’s criticism of Bengaluru’s roads and increasing garbage was also discussed.
Controversy over Bengaluru’s roads and garbage
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw had recently expressed her displeasure on social media over the poor condition and filth of Bengaluru’s roads. He said that a foreign businessman asked him whether the government was really committed to supporting investment when the condition of the city was so bad. Shaw had tagged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and IT Minister Priyank Kharge in his post and demanded better civic management.
Shivkumar’s answer – ‘Damage to the image of the state and the country’
On Shaw’s remarks, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that such public criticism harms the image of the state and the country. He said that Bengaluru handles a major part of Karnataka’s economy, so it is important that everyone works together to solve the problems of the city. Later he wrote on X, ‘Instead of criticizing Bengaluru, let’s make it better together. The world sees India through Bengaluru – we should move our city forward unitedly. In response, Shaw wrote, ‘I agree with you, this is a collective effort that requires quality and promptness. Let’s show how we can improve our city.
Criticism from Congress ministers and Shaw’s response
Some Congress ministers targeted Shaw and said that he had not made such criticism during the BJP rule. To this Shaw replied, ‘I am only demanding cleaning of garbage and repairing of roads, which is the work of the municipal body. Ministers should be held accountable for their poor and slow work. Labor Minister Santosh Lad said that the government welcomes public opinion, but asked why industrialists do not raise such questions on the central government.
‘The city and the citizens will have to move together’- Shaw
Shaw said that the government and citizens will have to work together. The present government has an opportunity to solve the problem of deteriorating infrastructure and waste management that has been there for the last several decades. Congress leader Mansoor Ali Khan said that Shaw’s anger is focused only on Karnataka, while she remains silent on states like Maharashtra. To this, Shaw replied that he was fond of his city and state and his comments were not motivated by political but by civic concern.
Public and business community support
Kiran Shaw’s statement has received support from the citizens of Bengaluru and many industrialists. People have shared their experiences on the problem of roads and garbage. Former Jet Airways CEO Sanjeev Kapoor said he was happy that the senior industrialist was speaking openly. He called it a national problem and not an issue related to any party.
Opposition also targeted
BJP and JD(S) also attacked the Congress government. BJP MP CN Manjinath described Shaw as a ‘global first generation entrepreneur’ and said the government should stop being defensive and take action. JD(S) leader Nikhil Kumaraswamy said, ‘Congress leaders should take Kiran Shaw’s words positively and improve the problems of the city. But they are busy giving answers, not fixing roads.
cordial atmosphere in the meeting
The atmosphere in the meeting held on Tuesday morning amid controversies was cordial. DK Shivakumar told that he and Shaw discussed the development, innovation of Bengaluru and the development journey of Karnataka. This meeting seemed to calm down the ongoing dispute between the two, but the problem of roads and garbage in Bengaluru still remains a big issue for the citizens.