Fri Nov 14 16:35:15 UTC 2025: Bengaluru Infrastructure Improvement Leads to Corporate Leaders’ Praise After Heated Exchange
Bengaluru, November 14, 2025 – A marked improvement in Bengaluru’s infrastructure has prompted leading industrialists Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and T.V. Mohandas Pai to publicly commend Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s leadership. This follows a period of tense exchanges sparked by Mazumdar-Shaw’s criticism of the city’s infrastructural shortcomings on social media.
Mazumdar-Shaw, Biocon chief, lauded Shivakumar’s efforts in rescuing Bengaluru “from collapsing under the weight of garbage, debris and potholes,” citing visible improvements in footpaths and roads. Pai echoed this sentiment, thanking Shivakumar for his leadership in completing white-topping work on key roads, contributing to making Bengaluru a truly global city.
The turnaround comes after the GBA Chief Commissioner announced the filling of 18,000 potholes and a period of public disagreement. Shivakumar had previously responded to Mazumdar-Shaw’s criticism by accusing her of tarnishing the state and country’s image.
However, a Deepavali meeting between Mazumdar-Shaw and Shivakumar, followed by a meeting with both Pai and GBA officials, appears to have eased tensions. Shivakumar stated that the meetings involved engaging discussions on Bengaluru’s growth and Karnataka’s future.
He has since emphasized the importance of constructive feedback while urging entrepreneurs not to “tarnish” Bengaluru’s image, noting their criticism attracts international attention. Entrepreneurs have been included in advisory committees. The shift reflects a move towards collaborative efforts in developing Bengaluru into a world-class city.
First Piper 