"Even God Can't Change Bengaluru": DK Shivakumar's Remark Sparks Row

 **Even God Can't Change Bengaluru: DK Shivakumar's Remark Sparks Row**

*Bengaluru, February 21, 2025* – Karnataka Congress leader and Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, has sparked a massive controversy with his recent remarks about Bengaluru, which have drawn sharp criticism from political opponents and social media users alike. In a statement made during a public event, Shivakumar said, "Even God can't change Bengaluru," drawing attention to the city's urban issues and the struggle to address them effectively. The comments have quickly escalated into a political row, with reactions ranging from outrage to support.

### **Shivakumar's Statement**

The remark was made during a speech addressing the ongoing challenges Bengaluru faces with regard to its infrastructure, traffic, and pollution. Shivakumar, known for his candid style, was commenting on the difficult task of managing the city's rapid urbanization and strained resources.

“Bengaluru is growing at a rapid pace, and despite our best efforts, it seems that the issues facing this city are insurmountable. Even God, with all his power, wouldn't be able to change Bengaluru overnight," Shivakumar said. The statement, intended to emphasize the scale of Bengaluru's developmental challenges, has since been widely interpreted in various ways.

### **Political Backlash**

Opposition parties have been quick to pounce on the remark, accusing Shivakumar of disrespecting the city and its residents. BJP spokespersons have called the statement arrogant, alleging that it reflects the Congress-led state government's inability to address the city's pressing issues.

"Such comments show the Congress leadership’s disregard for the people of Bengaluru," said BJP leader R. Ashoka. "Instead of addressing the real problems of traffic congestion, pollution, and water scarcity, Shivakumar is making excuses. This is a sign of their incompetence."

Meanwhile, some members of Shivakumar's own party have tried to downplay the comments, stating that the remarks were made in the context of Bengaluru's infrastructural issues and were not intended to insult the people or the city.

### **Support for Shivakumar**

On the other hand, several supporters of Shivakumar argue that the remark should be taken in its proper context. They say that Bengaluru, once a calm and manageable city, has become overwhelmed due to its exponential population growth, resulting in severe urban problems. 

"Shivakumar is only acknowledging the reality that Bengaluru’s issues are far beyond simple political solutions," said one Congress supporter. "The city's infrastructure is buckling under the weight of development. The remark, though harsh, points to a deep truth."

### **Public Reaction**

Social media platforms have erupted with mixed reactions. Some netizens have criticized the Deputy Chief Minister for what they perceive as an overly negative and fatalistic outlook on the city. Others have come to his defense, highlighting the growing frustration of Bengaluru’s residents with constant traffic jams, poor waste management, and deteriorating air quality.

"I agree with him," tweeted one user. "The situation in Bengaluru is out of control. We need more than just promises from politicians; we need real solutions."

Conversely, a trending hashtag, #ChangeBengaluru, has gained momentum, with citizens calling for a proactive approach to addressing the city's issues, rather than resigning to them.

### **The Larger Picture**

Bengaluru, once known as the 'Garden City' and 'Silicon Valley of India,' has been grappling with various urbanization-related challenges for several years now. Overpopulation, poor infrastructure planning, and inadequate public transportation systems have made daily life difficult for its residents. The city's rapid growth in both population and economic significance has strained its resources.

The city's civic bodies have struggled to keep up with the demand for basic services such as water supply, sewage management, and road maintenance. Traffic congestion has become a hallmark of Bengaluru, with long hours spent in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Meanwhile, the air quality index continues to remain unhealthy for a significant portion of the year.

### **A Divisive Issue**

The issue of Bengaluru’s development is not just political; it is deeply personal for its residents. The city's residents, who come from all corners of India and the world, have seen their once peaceful city transform into a chaotic urban sprawl. This transformation, while contributing to the city's economic growth, has also led to frustrations, particularly among long-time residents who feel that the city’s charm and livability have been compromised.

Shivakumar's comments have highlighted the growing divide between the political elite's perception of the city and that of the everyday citizens who are most affected by its problems.

### **Conclusion**

As the debate continues to simmer, it remains to be seen how Shivakumar's remarks will affect his political standing and that of his party. What is clear, however, is that Bengaluru’s rapid urbanization and the associated challenges are not just political talking points—they are a real and pressing concern for the city's residents.

The controversy surrounding Shivakumar's comment is likely to fuel further discussions on the need for comprehensive urban planning and effective governance to address the future of Bengaluru. Whether his words are a reflection of frustration or simply a harsh reality check, the demand for action on Benga

luru’s development issues has never been louder.