Karnataka: DK Shivakumar's bike rally in Hosapete amid Bengaluru rain woes; Congress, BJP trade barbs

DK Shivakumar’s bike rally in Hosapete

Even as heavy rains battered the tech-capital, triggering waterlogging in several areas, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru development minister DK Shivakumar led a bike rally in Hosapete, Vijayanagara district, on May 19.

The rally, organised by the Youth Congress, was part of the 'Sadhana Samavesha' celebrations to mark the Congress government’s second anniversary in the state.

Shivakumar rode a two-wheeler, flanked by Youth Congress workers and party flags — a move that drew criticism from the opposition BJP and JD(S), who questioned the timing of the event amid the city's flood crisis.

Also, read: ‘Brand Bengaluru’ battered after rain: DK Shivakumar says 'issues we face today are not new'

Several Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, are expected to participate in the Sadhana Samavesha on May 20.

Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar said: "When asked about the flooding of roads in Bengaluru due to rain, he said, “It should rain. The more it rains, the better it is for the government and farmers. We have received information that a wall collapsed due to the heavy rain on Sunday night, resulting in one death. Apart from that, there have been no major incidents. Our officials are managing the situation. Water has entered some low-lying areas where houses are located. As Chief Minister, I will visit the rain-affected areas and inspect the damage.” The inspection areas include Manyata Tech Park, Sai Layout, Ejipura Junction, HSR Layout, Silk Board Junction, and other flood-affected localities.

Responding to the opposition’s criticism, he said, “I didn’t come here just to tour — I came to improve lives. The opposition needs to criticise to stay politically relevant.

He said rain is a natural phenomenon and beyond anyone’s control. "The Meteorological Department had forecasted the rainfall, and our officials had been making preparations for the past four days. A plan has been drawn up to build a permanent rainwater drainage system in Bengaluru, for which Rs 2,000 crore has been sanctioned by the World Bank and the Disaster Management Department.”

Political fallout

Meanwhile, opposition leaders lashed out at Shivakumar and the Congress government for holding an event while the state capital grappled with flooding.

BJP Karnataka President BY Vijayendra said, "When Rome was burning, Emperor Nero played the violin — the Deputy CM has organised a conference and left Bengaluru to play the violin in the name of achievement. While people are suffering, the government is indulging in celebrations."

He further accused the Congress government of corruption and mismanagement, stating, "Even as the state government talks about making Bengaluru a global brand, the city has become a symbol of chaos — flooded roads, potholes, and crumbling infrastructure. The government’s coffers are empty, yet they’re spending crores on this show of achievement."

However, Shivakumar said, "Let us be clear: the issues we face today are not new. They have been ignored for years across governments and administrations. The only difference now is—we are working to solve them, not with temporary fixes, but with long-term, sustainable solutions."

The Janata Dal (Secular) also hit out, posting on X, "@DKShivakumar — Is this your dream 'Brand Bangalore'? After two years, your performance as Bengaluru Development Minister is abysmal. The city has become a haven for the real estate mafia, and the Congress government is showcasing its failures as achievements. Waterlogging, collapsed homes, and public outrage tell the real story."

The JD(S) further alleged that Shivakumar was unfit to lead the city and accused the Congress of auctioning off 'Brand Bengaluru' for commissions, claiming 'the real beneficiaries of this looting scheme are Congressmen'.

BJP Karnataka also posted on X, "Even a light rain has flooded the capital's roads, turning them into canals. Yet, the @INCKarnataka government is shamelessly celebrating its two-year 'achievement'."

Also, read: Bengaluru sees boats on streets after heavy rain floods city. Manyata Tech Park under 2 feet water