Sun Sep 21 15:42:51 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the provided text and a rewritten news article based on it:

**Summary:**

The article reports on Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s response to growing concerns about potholes in Bengaluru. Shivakumar insists the issue is being politicized and assures citizens that all potholes will be fixed by October 31st. He highlights initiatives like a new app for reporting potholes, the deployment of engineers, and adequate budgetary provisions. His statement comes after industry leaders threatened to relocate due to poor road conditions, a point the opposition BJP has seized upon. He maintains the government is committed to ensuring safe roads for commuters and asks for citizens’ patience and understanding.

**News Article:**

**Bengaluru Pothole Crisis: Deputy CM Denies Neglect, Pledges Fix by October End Amid Industry Concerns**

**Bengaluru, September 22, 2025** – Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has vehemently denied allegations of government negligence regarding the proliferation of potholes across Bengaluru, asserting that the issue is being deliberately “politicized” by opposition parties. His comments come amid growing frustration from residents and escalating concerns from the business community, with at least one major company on Outer Ring Road threatening to relocate due to the city’s deteriorating road infrastructure.

Speaking to reporters in Delhi on Sunday, Mr. Shivakumar acknowledged the severity of the problem but argued that potholes are not unique to Bengaluru. “There are more than 100 potholes in Delhi itself. If you go to Mumbai or any other part of the country, you will find them,” he said. “But when it comes to Bengaluru, it is becoming a conspiracy against the Congress government.”

To address the situation, Mr. Shivakumar outlined a multi-pronged approach, including a newly launched mobile app allowing citizens to report potholes directly to the Bengaluru municipal corporation. He also said traffic and local police were to report any potholes they notice. “More than 10,000 engineers are on the job, and nearly 50% of the work has already been completed,” he stated, emphasizing that budgetary constraints would not hinder the effort. The chief minister has also reviewed the issue.

He pledged that all potholes would be repaired and roads rendered motorable by October 31st, despite recent heavy rains that have exacerbated the problem. “We are confident of meeting the October-end deadline,” he affirmed.

The Deputy Chief Minister’s response follows a wave of complaints from commuters and increasingly vocal criticism from industry leaders. The Opposition BJP has also seized on the issue, using the business community’s concerns to criticize the government’s handling of the city’s infrastructure.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mr. Shivakumar reiterated his commitment: “Our government is paying attention to the concerns of Bengalureans. Potholes across the city are being filled and roads are being resurfaced to provide smoother and safer journeys for everyone.”

While some residents remain skeptical, the government is urging citizens to utilize the new reporting app and trust that the promised repairs will be completed on schedule.

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