By News Karnataka

Copyright newskarnataka

Unfazed by criticism over Bengaluru’s deteriorating infrastructure, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who also holds the portfolio of Bengaluru Development, hit back at corporates threatening to relocate, asserting: “No one can threaten or blackmail the government. I will not stop anyone from going.”

BlackBuck relocates, cites worsening roads

Shivakumar’s comments come in the wake of logistics platform BlackBuck deciding to move out of Bellandur, off the Outer Ring Road (ORR), after nine years, citing poor road conditions. Several other corporates and start-up founders have also raised concerns over the ORR-Mahadevapura stretch.

Andhra Pradesh IT minister Nara Lokesh had even welcomed BlackBuck co-founder Rajesh Yabaji, suggesting a shift of operations to Visakhapatnam. Shivakumar, however, maintained a firm stance: “I wish them all the good luck. If they are not satisfied with manpower, talent, or facilities, I cannot stop them, but no one can threaten the government — I am telling you this.”

Following the DCM’s remarks, BlackBuck clarified that it is only relocating within Bengaluru to a more convenient location for employees.

Challenges in Mahadevapura

Shivakumar acknowledged the infrastructural challenges in areas like Mahadevapura, noting that some localities fall under municipal corporation limits while others do not. He highlighted the government’s recent restructuring through the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), which split the city into five corporations comprising 198 wards to better manage rising population pressures. “We have increased ward sizes because constituencies now have three times the population they once did,” he said.

The deputy CM also stressed that corporates leaving Bengaluru for infrastructure reasons are unlikely; business or financial considerations drive such decisions. “Blackmailing the government will not help. Let them go wherever they want — no city can match Bengaluru,” he added.

Political jabs at BJP

Shivakumar also used the occasion to question the opposition, particularly BJP leaders, on their silence over the city’s infrastructure woes. “Why didn’t the opposition leaders and BJP MPs get central funds for Bengaluru?” he asked. Defending his government, he added that potholes near Vidhana Soudha were being addressed, and emphasised that social media criticism should not impede ongoing civic work.

Meanwhile, Lokesh took a dig at Bengaluru’s handling of corporate grievances on X, writing: “Here is what sets AP apart from others — we don’t dismiss our people’s genuine grievances as ‘blackmail’. We treat them with the dignity and seriousness they deserve.”

Shivakumar’s comments underline the state government’s firm position that Bengaluru remains unmatched as an IT and business hub despite infrastructural challenges, and that relocation threats from corporates will not influence policy.