Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw: “I live in Karnataka, not Maharashtra; I have a vested interest in my city and state”; Congress-BJP react

Biocon chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw on October 15 defended her criticism of Bengaluru’s infrastructure, saying her concern stems from her long-standing connection with Karnataka.

“I live in Karnataka, not Maharashtra. I have a vested interest in my city and state,” she posted on X, responding to Congress leader Mansoor Ali Khan’s remark that her outrage seems selective, focusing only on Karnataka and not other states such as Maharashtra.

Also, read: Disclose CSR spending, stop using Bengaluru for PR: Shivakumar to industrialists, Nara Lokesh

Congress leaders question selective criticism

Khan wrote on X: “We welcome constructive criticism; it helps us improve. But it’s striking how @kiranshaw's outrage is reserved only for Karnataka. When similar issues arise in Maharashtra or under the @BJP4India government, the blame conveniently shifts to contractors. Yet there’s silence on unfair GST policies, inequitable tax distribution, and when the @BJP4India government had halted metro funding for two years. Selective concern weakens credibility.”

Labour minister Santosh Lad also questioned whether Mazumdar-Shaw would similarly criticise the Union government. Lad said, “Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw posted against potholes in Bengaluru; we will work on it. Will she post against the Union government too on issues like GST?”

Also, read: ‘Why are roads so bad?’: Biocon founder Kiran Majumdar Shaw shares foreign visitor’s blunt critique of Bengaluru infra

State ministers defend govt

State ministers defended the government’s response. Deputy CM DK Shivakumar urged companies to disclose CSR spending while defending government initiatives: “Tweeting against Bengaluru is like hurting your own home. Bengaluru has supported these companies for decades. We are doing our best to address civic challenges, including creating five new corporations under the Greater Bengaluru Authority to ensure local revenue benefits local regions.”

Minister Priyank Kharge said, “Constructive criticism is welcome, but negativity does not help. Bengaluru is growing fast, absorbing massive migration, and we are creating jobs and infrastructure. If there’s constructive input, we will act.”

Also, read: After Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw criticises city’s infra, DK Shivakumar says, 'Instead of tearing Bengaluru down, let’s build it up'

Mazumdar-Shaw says critique has been consistent across govts

Mazumdar-Shaw stated her critique has been consistent across governments. “My plea and lament for better infrastructure and garbage management have been there for every successive government- JDS, BJP, and INC. The present state of crumbling infrastructure is because past governments failed to act. I am calling upon @siddaramaiah and @DKShivakumar to ensure those responsible execute their duties. World-class businesses need a better city,” she said.

She added, “All I am seeking is garbage clearance and road resurfacing, which ought to be done by the GBA. Government ministers need to hold them accountable. Citizens and the government must be on the same page. If the garbage mafia is not doing its job, then action must be taken.”

Also, read: ‘Ministers must be held accountable for shoddy, slow work’: Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw fires back at Karnataka govt

Opposition slams govt

The criticism drew sharp reactions from the opposition. BJP leader R Ashoka wrote on X: “Brand Bengaluru is bleeding-roads broken, traffic stuck, garbage everywhere. And what’s @INCKarnataka Govt's big solution? Ask Biocon’s @kiranshaw to fix roads using CSR! Citizens pay taxes, industries pay taxes… CM @siddaramaiah, DCM @DKShivakumar, and Minister @MBPatil want citizens to do the government’s job. Rahul Gandhi’s so-called ‘Karnataka Model’ is not about governance-it’s about passing the buck.”

JD(S) leader Nikhil Kumar also criticised Congress ministers for allegedly threatening Mazumdar-Shaw, questioning the government’s record on road repairs and pothole management.