By News Karnataka
Copyright newskarnataka
Bengaluru (Karnataka): Amid widespread speculation about corporate exits from Bengaluru, logistics start-up BlackBuck has clarified that it is not relocating out of the city. The clarification came from Rajesh Yabaji, CEO and co-founder of BlackBuck, after his social media post earlier this week triggered debate about Bengaluru’s infrastructure and its ability to retain companies.
BlackBuck says Bengaluru remains ‘home’
On Thursday, Yabaji posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Bengaluru was “home” to BlackBuck and would continue to be central to its growth. He explained that the company was only shifting its offices within the city to ease employee commute.
Tracing BlackBuck’s journey from a small Koramangala office in 2015 to its current scale, Yabaji credited the Outer Ring Road (ORR) corridor and Karnataka’s start-up ecosystem for supporting its rise. “We will continue to have operations on ORR while expanding to newer parts of the city,” he said, stressing that the firm is committed to working closely with local authorities.
D K Shivakumar’s strong response
The clarification came after sections of the media reported that BlackBuck was considering leaving the ORR–Bellandur stretch due to poor road conditions. Reacting to the reports, Karnataka’s deputy chief minister and Bengaluru development minister D K Shivakumar said no company could “threaten or blackmail” the government.
“I will not stop anyone from going. If they are not satisfied with manpower, talent, or facilities, I cannot stop them, but no one can threaten the govt – I am telling you this,” Shivakumar told reporters.
He further asserted that Bengaluru remained unmatched as a hub for talent and investment. “No one will go out of Bengaluru for infrastructure reasons. If they do, it will be due to business or financial problems. Blackmailing the govt will not help. Let them go wherever they want — no city can match Bengaluru,” he added.
The minister highlighted recent administrative reforms, including the creation of the Greater Bengaluru Authority, which has divided the city into five corporations and 198 wards. He acknowledged civic challenges, especially in Mahadevapura, where certain areas fall outside corporation limits, complicating infrastructure management.
Debate over Bengaluru’s infrastructure
The row has reignited a larger debate within India’s tech capital. Several start-up founders and IT leaders have long voiced concerns about worsening traffic and road conditions, particularly along the ORR–Mahadevapura belt, where many major tech firms are headquartered.
The controversy also drew political reactions from outside Karnataka. Andhra Pradesh’s IT minister Nara Lokesh publicly invited BlackBuck to relocate to Visakhapatnam, positioning his state as a friendlier alternative. “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,” he wrote on X.
Company reiterates its commitment
Despite the uproar, BlackBuck reiterated its long-term commitment to Bengaluru. “We’re only relocating within the city to a different location, which will facilitate an easy commute for our teams,” the company clarified in its statement.
While the incident has sparked political and business debate, it also underscores the dual reality of Bengaluru: a city that remains India’s foremost tech hub while grappling with mounting infrastructure pressures. For now, BlackBuck has firmly ruled out any move away from Karnataka’s capital, reiterating that Bengaluru will continue to anchor its growth story.
