Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw hits back at DK Shivakumar over Bengaluru roads: 'Both Mohandas Pai and I...'

The exchange between Biocon chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar has reignited debate over Bengaluru’s infrastructure crisis.

Biocon chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has responded sharply to Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar’s remarks suggesting she had a “personal agenda” in criticising Bengaluru’s crumbling infrastructure. Shivakumar, while leading his “Bengaluru Nadige” walk in KR Puram on Sunday, questioned why Shaw had not spoken up during previous BJP and JD(S) regimes and even quipped: “If she wants to develop the roads, let her do it. If she comes and asks, we will give her the roads.”

Mazumdar-Shaw dismissed the allegation in a post on X, writing: “Not true. Both TV Mohandas Pai and I have criticised deteriorating infrastructure in our city to previous BJP and JDS Governments. Our agenda is clear — clean up and restore roads.”

Not true. Both @TVMohandasPai and I have criticised deteriorating infrastructure in our city to previous BJP & JDS Governments. Our agenda is clear clean up and restore roads. https://t.co/JYnQ1u7K7r

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— Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (@kiranshaw) October 19, 2025

Support pours in for Mazumdar-Shaw

Amid this rift, social media users appear to have jumped to the Biocon chief's defense.

"Huge respect for speaking out for better public governance, out of your genuine love for Bangalore. Sadly, Karnataka has chosen to turn into a regressive ethno-nationalist swamp, and its decay seems irreversible," X user Manu (@_manuvers) said. "I respect you articulating our challenges despite cost to yourself!" added user Devansh Mehta (@TheDevanshMehta). "I don't like how the culture in India (at least governance) is optics over action. They should be thanking you for pointing out where roads are bad and fixing it, not accusing you of slandering the city."

Feedback from overseas business visitor to Biocon Park

Mazumdar-Shaw's response came after she flagged concerns over Bengaluru’s poor roads and garbage problem earlier this week, citing feedback from an overseas business visitor to Biocon Park. “Why are the roads so bad and why is there so much garbage around? Doesn’t the Govt want to support investment? I have just come from China and can’t understand why India can’t get its act together especially when the winds are favourable?” Shaw quoted the visitor as saying.

The exchange has reignited debate over Bengaluru’s infrastructure crisis. Shivakumar defended the government’s efforts, stating that Rs 50 crore has been allocated for development in KR Puram and urged citizens to report issues via helpline 1533. “If anyone demands a bribe, I have instructed that they be suspended by this evening,” he said.

Other ministers also weighed in. Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge told news agency ANI that work is “in progress” and the city is “growing at a rapid pace.” Industries Minister MB Patil acknowledged Shaw’s contributions but said her remarks were “not in good taste” given ongoing projects.