Bengaluru&rsquo;s citizens have threatened to stop paying property tax over crumbling roads and poor civic infrastructure, escalating a debate that has drawn nationwide attention. The Individual Tax Payers Forum, representing concerned taxpayers, wrote to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, highlighting &ldquo;half-measured, unscientific, and poorly coordinated&rdquo; road and drainage works in areas like Varthur-Balagere-Panathur. The letter warned that such measures would waste public funds and erode Bengaluru&rsquo;s global reputation as India&rsquo;s IT hub.
Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw recently added fuel to the debate, sharing overseas executives&rsquo; critical remarks about the city&rsquo;s roads and garbage management. She said the current government has the opportunity to act fast and remedy decades of neglect. Citizens echoed her sentiment, lamenting Bengaluru&rsquo;s transformation into a &ldquo;Garbage City, Pothole City&rdquo; and criticizing incomplete stormwater and road projects.
Responding to the criticism, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said work to fill potholes and asphalt roads across the city is &ldquo;progressing swiftly.&rdquo; He emphasized prioritizing smooth traffic flow and assured that 13,000 potholes have been repaired so far. Shivakumar called for collective effort, urging citizens to cooperate while authorities implement long-term solutions.
To address the city&rsquo;s persistent infrastructure challenges, Shivakumar has instructed officials to prepare a Rs 1,100 crore action plan to develop 550 km of arterial roads. State ministers Priyank Kharge and M B Patil also acknowledged that fixing Bengaluru&rsquo;s roads will take time but stressed coordinated effort to restore civic pride and efficiency.

Bengaluru Citizens Threaten Tax Protest Over Roads

Poor roads, potholes spark protest; DK Shivakumar assures swift repairs, Rs1,100 CR plan

Bengaluru Citizens Threaten Tax Protest Over Roads

Poor roads, potholes spark protest; DK Shivakumar assures swift repairs, Rs1,100 CR plan

October 15, 2025 | 17:59 IST