Bengaluru, India's Silicon Valley, is grappling with a brewing crisis as incessant rains expose the city’s infrastructural vulnerabilities. In recent days, mounting frustration among residents and businesses alike has come to the forefront, exemplified by a pointed critique from former Infosys CFO TV Mohandas Pai.
In a tweet directed at Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and key ministers, Pai lamented the “huge anger” stemming from the government’s inaction on pressing issues such as roads, drainage, and traffic management on the Outer Ring Road (ORR).
He stated, “Promises made by CM, DCM repeatedly not upheld, trust down. This is very serious. CM/DCM should take urgent action to save the city and jobs.” Pai’s comments reflect a growing discontent that he claims has not been seen in the last two decades.
His frustration resonates with many MNCs that are now reportedly reconsidering their expansion plans in Bengaluru due to the prevailing governance issues. “Sad day for all of us to have such a non-performing, callous, indifferent government which treats its own citizens so badly,” he concluded his tweet tagging several key people.
In response to Pai’s tweet, Nara Lokesh, General Secretary of the Telugu Desam Party and MLA from Mangalagiri, extended an olive branch to the beleaguered MNCs, inviting them to consider Andhra Pradesh as a viable alternative.
“With humble regards, I would like to extend an invitation to all MNCs to Andhra Pradesh, where Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu has introduced new, business-friendly policies,” Lokesh asserted. He added the state is committed to fostering a conducive environment for businesses, and promises world-class infrastructure and an exceptional business ecosystem.
However, Pai responded with skepticism, noting the need for tangible improvements in Andhra Pradesh to regain investor confidence. “Trust levels in Andhra is low after what Jagan (Mohan Reddy) did. Work has to start visibly in Amaravati to give hope. Human capital is low in Andhra, people from outside will not easily relocate there. Connectivity needs to be improved. Too early, please show progress,” he replied.
In follow up tweets, Pai added: "Sadly the last government ruined the future of Andhra and damaged its future. Babu Garu has much to do to restore trust, need more action on ground first."
Lokesh responded to Pai, hours later, reassuring him of steps being taken in the state and said he would keep the former Infosys CFO posted.
Bengaluru has been struggling with heavy downpour amid crumbling infrastructure and rescue operations for the last few days. Videos shared on social media show the severity of the situation, especially from low-lying areas such as Yelahanka.
Boats are being used to rescue people in residential areas even as Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka DK Shivakumar said, “Even Dubai faced flood situation, no one can stop nature…even I got caught in the rain.”
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