Biocon chairman Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw’s recent criticism of Bengaluru’s infrastructure deficiencies has caused a stir. Reacting to the debate on Wednesday, she said she was a “proud Kannadiga” and expressed her love for Kannada culture. Mazumdar-Shaw confirmed in a post on X that she was born in Bengaluru. She added that she has spent seven decades loving her city and its culture. She confirmed that she could read, write and speak “this wonderful language”. “I don’t think I am accountable to anyone who questions my loyalty to Karnataka. I am a proud Kannadiga,” she wrote. This explanation followed her strong criticism on October 15 about the urgent need for superior infrastructure and waste management in the city. She squarely blamed previous administrations for the current dire situation and urged the current government to act quickly to address what amounts to decades of neglect. In an X post, Shaw wrote: “We are in this dire situation because of previous governments’ failure to act in time. This government has the opportunity to change that and act quickly to fix these decades of deteriorating infrastructure and waste management.” She added that all she is looking for is garbage clearance and road reconstruction, which should be done by the GBA. “Government ministers must be held accountable. They must be accountable for sloppy and slow work.” After Shaw criticized the city’s road infrastructure, several social media users trolled her and asked about her loyalty to Karnataka. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar reacts Following her comments, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar drew attention to the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the city. He noted that the creation of the East Bengaluru Corporation was meant to support IT firms through improvements in traffic flow and road conditions. “To help the IT companies, for better traffic, better roads, we have made East Bengaluru Corporation,” said Shivakumar. On 18 October, Shivakumar Mazumdar-Shaw also attacked, suggesting that she had the freedom to undertake the necessary development herself if she wished. “If she wants to develop them (roads), let her do it. If she comes and asks, we will give her the roads,” Shivakumar said while conducting the “Bengaluru Nadige (Walk for Bengaluru)” program in the KR Puram area. Shaw then met Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar on Tuesday to offer Deepavali greetings and promised her full cooperation and support for the betterment of Bengaluru. About his meeting with the Biocon chairman, Shivakumar said, “We discussed Bengaluru. She promised to support development works in Bengaluru and not tarnish its image. I will visit the area and hold meetings on Wednesday or Thursday.” The IT-BT industry has assured support in the development of Bengaluru. We will also hold discussions with companies and take the necessary steps.”
‘I am a proud Kannadiga’: Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw hits back at trolls questioning her loyalty to Karnataka
