BENGALURU: Public anger in Karnataka is boiling over as citizens accuse both the ruling Congress government and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of ignoring spiralling corruption, poor civic infrastructure, and rising crime rates.
Despite occupying opposite benches in the Assembly, critics say the two parties appear to be “sailing in the same boat” when it comes to inaction on urgent governance issues.
While Congress leads the state government after a decisive electoral win, the BJP remains the largest opposition party. Yet, on core concerns like road safety, garbage management, traffic chaos, and law enforcement, both sides face mounting criticism for their perceived silence.
Civic Decay: Potholes, Garbage, and Gridlock
Bengaluru, hailed as India’s technology capital, is now making headlines for its worsening civic problems. Overflowing garbage bins, crater-filled roads, and endless traffic jams have become daily challenges.
Entire stretches of key business districts and residential areas are dotted with potholes, causing accidents, injuries, and even fatalities.
Waste collection has become inconsistent, with civic contractors accused of corruption and negligence. City corporation data shows waste segregation levels have stagnated, while illegal dumping spots have multiplied.
Traffic congestion has reached breaking point. Average commute times have increased by 20–30% in the past year, with poor traffic management, weak public transport links, and unending construction adding to the chaos.
Law and Order Concerns Escalate
Crime rates in Karnataka’s urban centres, particularly Bengaluru, are rising. Police reports indicate a sharp jump in chain snatching, street crimes, cyber fraud, and property-related offences.
Women’s safety remains a critical concern, with several high-profile assaults sparking national outrage. Yet activists argue that preventive policing is weak and victim support is poorly funded.
“We don’t see accountability from either the ruling party or the opposition. It’s as if both sides have accepted the status quo,” said civic activist Raghavendra H.
Allegations of Deep-Rooted Corruption
Perhaps the most damning charge is that “no work gets done without money” in government offices. From basic paperwork in municipal departments to large-scale infrastructure clearances, bribery allegations are rampant.
Whistleblowers say departmental corruption is so entrenched that middlemen openly operate inside civic bodies. Even welfare scheme beneficiaries complain of “cuts” demanded by officials before aid is released.
While the Congress government has pledged to fight corruption, critics point out that few investigations have led to convictions. The BJP, meanwhile, faces accusations of selective outrage — vocal on some scandals, silent on issues that require bipartisan reforms.
Opposition’s Role Under Question
As Karnataka’s largest opposition party, the BJP’s role is to hold the government accountable. But observers say it has failed to press the Congress on civic and administrative lapses.
Instead, Assembly debates are dominated by political sparring, walkouts, and campaign rhetoric. Analysts believe this may be because “systemic corruption cuts across party lines”, creating little incentive for either side to push for deep reforms.
Public Anger, No Clear Roadmap
Citizen groups have staged protests, filed petitions, and sought judicial intervention. But progress has been slow. Activists warn that without systemic reforms — like stricter anti-corruption enforcement, independent civic audits, and accountability for department heads — governance will keep deteriorating.
“Elections come and go, but our problems remain — potholes, garbage, traffic, safety. It feels like both parties are playing politics while we pay the price,” said Priya S, a resident of Indiranagar.
The Road Ahead
With Lok Sabha elections approaching, both parties are expected to amplify their campaign messaging. However, unless they focus on bread-and-butter governance — roads, waste management, traffic control, law and order — public trust in Karnataka’s political leadership will remain dangerously low.
For now, residents continue to navigate broken roads, overflowing garbage, traffic standstills, and rising crime — while their leaders trade political barbs instead of delivering results.
