NewKerala.com

Key Points

BJP leader R Ashoka has squarely blamed the Congress government for Bengaluru's severe flooding, alleging they scrapped critical Rs 1,600 crore drainage projects approved during BJP's tenure. He accused the administration of diverting funds to other priorities while ignoring flood warnings. Ashoka connected recent rain-related deaths to these cancelled infrastructure works, claiming BJP used to allocate Rs 7,000-8,000 crore annually for Bengaluru's development. The opposition leader's remarks escalate the political blame game over the city's recurring waterlogging crisis.

Key Points: BJP's R Ashoka Blames Congress for Bengaluru Floods Over Rs 1,600 Cr Projects

  • Ashoka alleges Congress diverted Bengaluru development funds
  • Claims BJP allocated Rs 7,000-8,000 crore annually for city
  • Accuses govt of ignoring flood warnings
  • Links deaths to cancelled drainage projects
3 min read

Bengaluru wouldn't be flooded if Rs 1,600 crore projects were implemented: R Ashoka

BJP leader R Ashoka claims Bengaluru floods could have been avoided if Congress hadn't scrapped Rs 1,600 crore BJP-era drainage projects.

"If Rs 1,600 crore projects were implemented, Bengaluru wouldn't be flooded – R Ashoka"

Bengaluru, May 20

Following the severe waterlogging that disrupted daily life across several parts of Bengaluru, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Karnataka Leader of Opposition (LoP), R Ashoka, on Tuesday stated that if Rs 1,600 crore worth of projects had been carried out, Bengaluru wouldn't be in this state.

BJP leaders are criticising the Congress-led Karnataka government over its handling of the situation. R Ashoka demanded that the government explain what it has done for Bengaluru in the past two years.

He further stated that Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar visited Sai Layout and promised development, but no funds have been released for it. Flooding occurred at Silk Board last time as well, yet no development funds have been allocated.

Speaking to the reporters after inspecting the flood situation at Silk Board Junction, BJP leader R Ashoka said, "During the BJP's tenure, Rs 1,600 crore was allocated for Bengaluru's development, but the Congress government cancelled those projects. If those projects had been implemented, the city wouldn't be facing such flooding. The entire city is submerged due to rain, and people are struggling. Five people have died because of the rains. While people are dying, Congress is holding achievement conventions. If the government had any shame, it would have cancelled the convention. These deaths are due to Congress's failures, and the government lacks the moral authority to hold such events."

BJP leader Ashoka accused the Congress government of diverting funds meant for Bengaluru's development, leading to inadequate infrastructure and flooding issues.

"During the BJP's tenure, Rs 1,600 crore was provided for stormwater drains and road development, but Congress cancelled those projects. If those works had proceeded, such flooding wouldn't have occurred. Instead of allocating funds for Bengaluru's progress, the money has been misused for other purposes. All funds have been diverted to the tunnel road project, and now every road in the city has become a tunnel, he alleged. The government had promised to install sensors in flood-prone areas, but no work has been done. The meteorological department had warned about heavy rains on April 15, yet BBMP did not hold any precautionary meetings in the past month. Instead, they hurriedly prepared for the convention. Congress leaders claim they filled 14,000 potholes, but now people are digging potholes to shut down the Congress party itself," Ashoka said.

"During the BJP's tenure, Rs 7,000 to 8,000 crore was allocated annually for Bengaluru. The Congress government has diverted all funds meant for Bengaluru to build tunnels. The government shows no concern for Bengaluru's flooding. Greater Bengaluru has turned into Water Bengaluru. The government is bringing misery and deaths to people's doorsteps," he accused.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse user comments reflecting Indian perspectives on the Bengaluru flooding issue:
P
Priya K.
As a Bengalurean, I'm tired of this blame game between parties. My office commute took 3 hours yesterday due to waterlogging. Instead of finger-pointing, why can't all leaders work together to solve this? We pay heavy taxes - where is that money going? 😤
R
Rahul M.
The tunnel road project is important, but not at the cost of basic drainage infrastructure. BBMP needs to prioritize better. Every year same story during monsoon - politicians make promises but nothing changes on ground. Shameful!
A
Ananya S.
(Former Bengaluru resident)
This is why I moved to Pune. Bengaluru's infrastructure can't handle its growth. Unplanned construction + poor drainage = disaster. Sad to see my hometown like this. Hope authorities wake up before more lives are lost.
S
Sanjay T.
While BJP has valid points about cancelled projects, they should also explain why these issues weren't fully resolved during their tenure. Governance isn't about scoring political points but solving people's problems. Both parties need to do better.
N
Neha P.
The real tragedy is that 5 lives were lost. Instead of holding conventions, the government should be on the ground helping citizens. Where are the emergency response systems? Bengaluru deserves better than this chai-biscuit politics. #AccountabilityNeeded
V
Vikram D.
As an urban planner, I can say the root cause is encroachment of lakes and stormwater drains. Political parties allowed this for years. Now nature is sending the bill. Need long-term solutions, not temporary fixes. Bengaluru's ecosystem must be restored.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50