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Bengaluru: Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy launched a scathing attack on the Karnataka government, accusing it of gross mismanagement and rampant corruption in the state capital. Speaking on the city’s recurring civic issues during both heavy and light rainfall, he sarcastically remarked, “This is not Greater Bengaluru, it’s Looter Bengaluru.”

As Bengaluru continues to reel under the impact of even moderate rains—resulting in flooding, waterlogging, and urban chaos—Kumaraswamy questioned the disappearance of the revenue being collected from citizens. “Where is the taxpayers’ money going?” he asked, taking aim at the government’s lack of planning and accountability.

“There are no funds to fill potholes, maintain drains, or repair roads. But for tunnel roads, there are tenders worth thousands of crores,” he alleged. Criticizing Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who also oversees Bengaluru’s development, Kumaraswamy stated, “You talk about tunnels, while people don’t even have food on their plates. Every week, taxes are imposed, prices are hiked. People are treated like lifeless rocks.”

He further raised sharp questions about lake management and alleged corruption, asking, “Why isn’t water from one lake flowing into another? Has even lake water become commission-driven?” He slammed the disparity between Bengaluru’s glitzy image in advertisements and the harsh realities faced by its residents.

“Where is the city’s income going? What happens to the sweat and money of Bengalureans? How much is being collected? How much is being spent? And how much is going into thin air?” he demanded.

Criticizing the state’s focus on symbolic rituals like ground-breaking ceremonies and repetitive inaugurations, Kumaraswamy added, “There’s no direction to clean drains or close potholes, but every day there’s a new ribbon to cut and a new bill for old projects.”

He concluded his statement with visible frustration and said, “This is not a city anymore—it’s a scam. Bengaluru is crying while the government is celebrating.”