- Millions of citizens calling Bengaluru their home would have fervently hoped that the over six months Congress government in Karnataka would not waste much time addressing the several basic infrastructural issues bogging the metropolitan city. The very reason for the Congress seeking the blessings of the electorate in the state was to highlight the misgovernance of the previous Bharatiya Janata Party who were busy quelling the internal dissidence rather than concentrating on delivering quality administration. Yes, ordinary citizens were aware of how the pandemic-induced economic meltdown severely distressed the government from going ahead with implementing necessary measures.
PC: The Hindu
- However, when the economic activities started picking up after a debilitating two years of limited activities, whatever aspersions people of Karnataka had towards the BJP government delivering on expected lines simply vanished into thin air. The change of guard happened by replacing the warhorse BS Yeddyurappa with Basavaraj Bommai hoping to usher in much-needed young leadership. Sadly, Bommai could not ensure the BJP crossed the anti-incumbency with flying colors or altered the fortunes of the party by impressing upon the electorate about its socio-welfare measures in the polls. Smartly, Congress sensed people’s anger towards the BJP for failing to deliver quality governance highlighting the alleged rampant corruption with aplomb.
- Moreover, Congress came up with novel five-scheme guarantees that instantly struck a chord with the electorate. The resultant outcome was a thumping victory for the Grand Old Party winning the election with absolute majority. To its credit, the Congress government cleared the implementation of the five guarantee schemes in the very first cabinet meeting. Subsequently, four of the five schemes were introduced with much fanfare and enthusiastically embraced by the people, especially for the free bus and electricity schemes. The moot point to ponder over here is whether the Congress has recognized the necessity to shore up the crumbling infrastructural woes of Bengaluru where the state’s 80% of revenue gets generated.
PC: The Hindu
- The answer to the question must be an emphatic no. The so-called Silicon Valley of India continues to face the government’s apathy despite voices of concern emanating from the well-wishers on the rise. The biggest hurdle faced by the Bengaluru citizens must be the traffic woes that only appear to have worsened in the last few months. The ongoing Metro rail works have only succeeded in further impeding the smooth flow of traffic. The inadequate public transport – lack of last-mile connectivity – has further added to the more private vehicles hitting the roads. And the less said the better about the roads that are marked by potholes leaving the commuters at the mercy of God. Hopefully, the government authorities will start addressing these woes expeditiously.
