Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh has openly criticized Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s dismissive remarks about Bengaluru’s crumbling infrastructure. The controversy began when Shivakumar described mounting complaints about the city’s pothole-ridden roads as nothing more than “blackmail.” Lokesh, seizing the opportunity to contrast governance approaches, not only rebuked the statement but also extended an invitation to businesses in Bengaluru to consider Andhra Pradesh as a viable alternative.
In a post on X, Lokesh remarked that, unlike Karnataka’s leadership, Andhra Pradesh values the concerns of its citizens. He stressed that in his state, grievances are not brushed aside or belittled but instead are met with seriousness and respect. His words were carefully aimed at projecting Andhra Pradesh as more responsive to public needs, especially when compared to the current perception of Karnataka’s governance on civic issues.
This statement came soon after Lokesh publicly invited BlackBuck, a leading logistics technology company headquartered in Bengaluru, to shift its operations to Visakhapatnam. He highlighted the coastal city’s advantages, calling it one of India’s cleanest and safest urban centers. He further pointed out that Vizag has consistently been rated highly for its infrastructure and safety, especially for women, making it a business-friendly and socially progressive hub.
The larger debate was sparked by BlackBuck co-founder Rajesh Yabaji, who recently vented frustration about Bengaluru’s deteriorating infrastructure. He cited endless potholes, dusty roads, and a striking lack of initiative to fix them as reasons for vacating the company’s Bellandur office. Although he later clarified that BlackBuck would not exit the city entirely, his complaint struck a chord and triggered wider criticism of the government’s handling of civic issues.
Shivakumar’s response to the uproar only intensified the controversy. While countering both Yabaji’s concerns and former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy’s description of Bengaluru as a “city of potholes,” he insisted that the government would not bow to what he termed as “threats or blackmailing.” Shivakumar further defended Bengaluru’s appeal to global firms, attributing its continued success to a strong talent pool rather than its infrastructure. He also assured that the state had allocated ₹1,100 crore for road repairs and directed contractors to complete all pending work by November.
Lokesh quickly seized on Shivakumar’s dismissive remarks, reshaping the narrative to pitch Visakhapatnam as a destination of choice for frustrated firms. Tagging BlackBuck’s co-founder directly, he extended an open invitation by writing, “Hi Rajesh, can I interest you in relocating your company to Vizag? We are rated among the top five cleanest cities in India, are building world-class infrastructure, and have been ranked as the safest city for women. Please send me a DM.” His pointed outreach sought to draw attention not only to Visakhapatnam’s strengths but also to Andhra Pradesh’s willingness to welcome businesses with open arms.
The debate over Bengaluru’s road conditions has been simmering for years, but it flared up again after videos recorded by schoolchildren, showing treacherous potholes along the Outer Ring Road, went viral on social media. This IT corridor is a critical artery for the city’s global technology sector, and its poor upkeep has become a symbol of official neglect. With the Karnataka government now racing against a self-imposed November deadline, political rivals like Lokesh are capitalizing on the opportunity to project their state as more efficient and business-friendly.
This exchange between the leaders underscores how civic infrastructure has become a political flashpoint, with states competing not only for investments but also for credibility in governance. While Shivakumar continues to defend Bengaluru’s global standing, Lokesh is making a strategic effort to position Visakhapatnam as a rising alternative for companies disillusioned with the Garden City’s persistent woes.
