Bengaluru (Karnataka): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday responded to Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw’s remarks about Bengaluru’s road infrastructure, saying she could take the initiative if she wished.

"If she wants to develop them (roads), let her do it. If she comes and asks, we will give her the roads," Shivakumar said while conducting the "Bengaluru Nadige (Walk for Bengaluru)" programme in KR Puram.

Shivakumar added that the state government has set aside Rs 50 crore for development in the area, pointing out that residents contribute significantly through taxes.

"Bengaluru city generates Rs 6,000 crore in taxes. Out of that, this corporation gets Rs 1,600 crore. The people of this area have paid higher taxes. We have allocated funds for the development of this region. We have given permission to spend Rs 50 crore for Bengaluru," he said.

The Deputy CM urged citizens to report grievances and assured strict action against corrupt officials.

"Those who haven't met me -- call 1533 and share your problems. Those who report their problems will receive a call, and we will look into the issue. If anyone demands a bribe, I have instructed that they be suspended by this evening," Shivakumar said.

He also spoke about the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) project, noting that it cannot be handled by a single person.

"The GBA (Greater Bengaluru Authority) project is difficult for one person to handle. You (citizens) have placed several demands, like setting up Narayana Hrudayalaya Hospital. You've also requested to shift the market; I will visit and look into it," he added.

Mazumdar-Shaw raises concerns over roads and cleanliness

Earlier, Mazumdar-Shaw had highlighted "poor roads" and excessive garbage in Bengaluru, following a comment from an overseas business visitor to Biocon Park.

In a post on X, Shaw wrote: "I had an overseas business visitor to Biocon Park who said, 'Why are the roads so bad and why is there so much garbage around? Doesn't the Govt want to support investment? I have just come from China and cant understand why India can't get its act together especially when the winds are favourable?'"

Ministers defend ongoing infrastructure work

In response, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge said the visitor may not have seen the complete picture and highlighted the city’s ongoing infrastructure projects.

"I am not sure which part of Bengaluru they have seen. As I have said, the work is in progress. We are growing at a rapid pace, and whatever is necessary for the infrastructure improvement, we are doing it," Kharge said.

Karnataka Minister MB Patil also recognised Mazumdar-Shaw's contributions to the state but said her criticism was not "in good taste," emphasising that development work is underway.