DyCM Shivakumar hits back at company's ORR exit threat, says firms cant threaten, blackmail the govt

Following an inspection by senior bureaucrats, along with traffic police and Metro officials decisions were taken to ease congestion at 20 spots, including Silk Board, Iblur, Bellandur, Kadubeesanahalli among others.

Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar courted controversy on Thursday by stating that companies cannot “threaten” and blackmail the government, and that Bengaluru has provided a conducive ecosystem and massive opportunity.

His statement comes a day after logistics tech platform BlackBuck’s co-founder Rajesh Yabaji announced that his company would move out of Bellandur’s outer ring road (ORR) due to traffic, potholes and dust.

“Namma Bengaluru is India’s startup capital and a global leader. All businesses recognise this massive opportunity and Bengaluru’s conducive ecosystem. That’s why they choose our city. As Bengaluru’s Development Minister, I stand committed to building a stronger, smarter Namma Bengaluru for all,” he later posted on X.

Industry veterans believe the government’s response could have been better and recalled the positive response of former CM S M Krishna when similar issues were raised by Infosys founder N R Narayana Murthy and Wipro founder Azim Premji.

As pressure builds on the government, senior bureaucrats, along with traffic police and Metro officials, inspected the ORR from Central Silk Board to Hebbal. Decisions were taken to ease congestion at 20 spots, including Silk Board, Iblur, Bellandur, Kadubeesanahalli and Nagawara. Instructions were given to expedite the widening of Panathur Road.

Meanwhile, a few citizens decided to take to the streets on January 1 if the government failed to fix Bengaluru’s infrastructure in 100 days.