"State Govt submerged Bengaluru, original reputation washed in floods," says former CM Basavaraj Bommai

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], May 19 (ANI): Former Chief Minister and Member of Parliament Basavaraj Bommai on Monday accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of mismanaging Bengaluru's infrastructure, claiming it has "drowned" the city in floods and tarnished its reputation.
In a post on X, Bommai said, "The government has drowned Bengaluru in water and washed away the city's original name in the floods. This is the same government that collects the highest taxes from Bengaluru but has failed to release the Rs 2,000 crore flood relief fund that was sanctioned during our government's tenure for the past two years."
"The Silicon City, the wealthy city of Bengaluru, has been turned into a poor city. This is highly condemnable, and the government must wake up immediately," he added.
Bengaluru experienced severe waterlogging on Sunday due to intense rainfall.
The city's infrastructure struggles to cope with the heavy rainfall. Visuals from the Silk Board Metro Station show severe waterlogging, with several parts of the city witnessing flooding. The Silk Board area, a major traffic hub, is severely affected, causing inconvenience to commuters.
Other areas, including Shanti Nagar bus stands and Kanteerava Stadium, also face problems due to heavy rains. Waterlogging has been reported in several low-lying areas, disrupting daily life.
The city's notorious traffic congestion has worsened due to flooding, with numerous tree branches falling and vehicles breaking down.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara asserted that the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), which has been replaced by Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), was making efforts to tackle the severe waterlogging affecting several areas of the city which saw heavy rainfall.
The state minister said that the actual problem was deposition of leaves, paper and other litter on the road in one place, leading to clogging. "There is a flood (waterlogging). That is why the opposition is criticising. BBMP should take all measures to correct the situation here, and it is being done... I have been observing it for the last two or three days, and leaves and papers are lying on the road. It all gets deposited in one place, BBMP is taking action," Parameshwara told reporters here.
The city's woes prompted the BJP to turn up the heat on the Congress government in the state, accusing it of not being able to manage the state.
"Bengaluru has been turned into Venice after just one spell of rain. The Congress's apathy has ruined Silicon City. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar have no vision for this global city other than using it as an ATM to fill their coffers," said BJP leader Amit Malviya in a post on X.
Leader of R. Ashoka criticised the Deputy CM DK Shivakumar who is also the nodal minister for Bengaluru development accusing him of being more interested in politics than governance. "What Karnataka Congress promised: Brand Bengaluru, What Karntataka Congress delivered: Beach Bengaluru. Part-time Bengaluru Development Minister DK Shivakumar, if you are done with your brother DK Suresh's Milk Union Elections, kindly give some time to Bengaluru," he posted on X.
Residents express frustration and helplessness, calling for immediate civic action to address the city's infrastructure issues.
Amid all this, India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for several areas across Karnataka, including Bengaluru. More rain is expected in the next two days, bracing the city for further disruption. Authorities are working to mitigate the impact of the flooding. (ANI)