DK Shivakumar hits back at businesswoman Kiran Mazumdar

Digital Desk

A controversy that began on the streets of Bengaluru is heating up Karnataka politics. On one side is the state's Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, and on the other, is renowned businesswoman Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw. What began as an online debate over the Silicon City's dilapidated roads has now escalated into a war of words.

The Congress leader took a dig at Kiran Mazumdar on Monday, saying, "Those who started businesses here have moved ahead. After growing, they've forgotten the level they came from. If you forget the root, you won't see the fruit. Some people have forgotten that and are criticizing her through tweets."

Biocon CEO Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw had written on Twitter...

Bengaluru's infrastructure is continuously deteriorating. If the government cannot repair the roads, I will get 10 roads built myself.

Majumdar's statement received widespread support, as traffic and potholes have become major problems in the city.

DK Shivakumar was enraged by Majumdar's statement, and he retorted, "Many people doing business in Bengaluru have forgotten their roots. They tweet, but don't think about the state of the city in the past."

I welcome all criticism. There's no problem with that. Criticism enhances the value of democracy. But some people are taking it too far, and that doesn't bother me. The people have given us an opportunity, and we want to serve them.

Following DK Shivakumar's statement, the issue gained widespread attention on social media, and he is also facing criticism on social media.

Our agenda is to build clean roads - Kiran Mazumdar

Kiran Mazumdar responded to DK's statement on social media. She said that his criticism is not part of any political agenda, but rather a citizen's concern. "Our agenda is simply to build clean and safe roads," she said. She also added that industrialists like TV Mohandas Pai are equally concerned about Bengaluru's deteriorating infrastructure.

HD Kumaraswamy also reacted Former Chief Minister and Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy also expressed his opinion on this controversy. He asked, "Who will come to set up industries in such an environment?" Kumaraswamy said that during his tenure, the widening of 59 roads was completed in a few months, and now the same work is stalled.