Not a single stretch was free from potholes, MP Tejasvi Surya after TCS 10K Run in Bengaluru
Surya said he ran in the Mumbai Marathon two months ago and the experience was incredible. 'And today (Sunday), it hurt so much to see our city like this,' he lamented.
Stating that he has written the letter not only as an MP from Bengaluru, but as an angry and disappointed citizen and participant of the race on Sunday. He said most participants share the angst. 'While it was a matter of great pride to see close to 40,000 people, including some of the world's best athletes, senior citizens, participate in the event, it was equally disappointing to witness the state of our city's roads and public infrastructure - right in the heart of the CBD (Central Business District).'
He said, 'CBD roads, which are supposed to be the best roads in the city, are in an absolutely pathetic state - like the roads in the rest of the city. Not a single stretch was free of potholes. Many runners stumbled, sprained their ankles and some even got injured. Senior citizens struggled to even walk without risking a fall.' He said the wheelchair participants had to be assisted throughout the route, not because of their condition but because of our city's unforgiving infrastructure.
Garbage dumps at multiple locations, stinking corners and broken footpaths painted a very poor image of Brand Bengaluru, he said. Pointing that many runners look forward to the race, he said, 'They (runners) train, travel and participate with excitement. What we offered them was an obstacle race instead of a world-class experience. We were hosting a Gold Label event, certified by the World Athletics body with athletes from around the world. What image did we portray of our city? Is it so difficult to ensure a bare minimum - pothole-free, clean roads at least for one of the city's premier events? Every road of the city looks like a construction site - dusty, potholed and lifeless.'
Holding Bengaluru development minister and BBMP commissioner directly responsible, answerable and accountable for this state of affairs, Surya said, 'I urge you to take this matter seriously, not just for the sake of the TCS 10K or marathons, but for every citizen of Bengaluru who negotiates these roads daily.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Indian Express
3 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Begin preparation for State-level Independence Day celebrations: BBMP chief Maheshwar Rao
BENGALURU: Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao instructed the officials to begin all kinds of preparations for the Independence Day celebrations at the Parade Ground. Addressing a preliminary meeting held on July 22 at the BBMP headquarters in connection with the State level Independence Day celebrations, he instructed the officials to carry out the responsibility given to the respective departments for the successful conduct of the programme. "As the celebration will be held at Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Grounds, concerned officials should take appropriate steps to ensure that there are no lapses in the State level programme," he said. He instructed that that there should be no confusion in the arrangement of seats, entry gates, parking arrangement, route change and other arrangements.
New Indian Express
9 hours ago
- New Indian Express
BJP constituencies cut up to confuse voters, delay BBMP polls, claims party
BENGALURU: Following the split in Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and announcement of five corporations, BJP leaders have lashed out at the Congress government, saying that Padmanabhanagar, RR Nagar, Dasarahalli and Mahadevapura have been deliberately added into different zones. City BJP President S Harish said the move behind the unscientific split is to delay elections. Supporting Harish's claim, Umesh Shetty, former Nagarbhavi corporator, said the attempt is to create confusion among voters. 'Mahadevapura's Bellandur is added into East and South corporations, and will add a lot of confusion,' he said. 'The basic rule for delimitation of municipalities is that assembly constituencies should not be disturbed, but the Congress government has done it. Padmanabha Nagar, the assembly seat of Opposition leader R Ashoka, is divided. One part is with the Bengaluru South corporation, and the other with West. Most BJP-ruled assembly segments are targeted, and this exercise is to delay municipal elections,' said Harish.
New Indian Express
11 hours ago
- New Indian Express
GBA ploy to take control of city admin: Karnataka HC plea
BENGALURU: The Karnataka High Court issued notice to the state government, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the State Election Commission on a public interest litigation filed by film director T S Nagabharana and two others questioning the legality of the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act (GBA), 2024. Stating that the Act is arbitrary and ultra vires the scope and ambit of the Constitution, the petitioners also sought directions to conduct the election to the BBMP. A division bench of Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C M Joshi issued notice after hearing the petition which sought a stay on the operation of the GBA, notified on May 14, 2025, and also direction to the SEC to conduct the BBMP elections within three months. The petitioners urged the court to declare Sections 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 18, 21, 22, 23 and 316 as unconstitutional and consequently declare the GBA as unconstitutional, arbitrary and ultra vires the scope and ambit of the Constitution.
