BJP’s Tejasvi Surya has penned a scathing open letter to Bengaluru Incharge Minister DK Shivakumar and BBMP Commissioner Tushar Girinath, expressing his anger and disappointment over the poor condition of roads and public infrastructure during the TCS World 10K race held on Sunday.
Surya, who participated in the event, said that while it was encouraging to see leaders like DK Shivakumar and Tushar Girinath present at the flag-off, the overall experience for participants was marred by pothole-ridden roads, garbage dumps, and broken footpaths. “What we offered them was an obstacle race instead of a world-class experience,” he wrote.
Highlighting that nearly 40,000 participants, including senior citizens, wheelchair athletes, and international runners, took part in the event, Surya said the city’s infrastructure posed significant risks, with many runners stumbling or sustaining injuries. “Senior citizens struggled to even walk without risking a fall. Wheelchair participants had to be assisted throughout the route, not because of their condition but because of our city’s unforgiving infrastructure,” he noted.
Comparing the experience to the recently held Mumbai Marathon, Surya said Bengaluru had fallen short of providing even basic clean, pothole-free roads for one of its premier sporting events. “Every road of the city looks like a construction site – dusty, potholed and lifeless,” he said.
Calling the situation “pathetic,” especially in the Central Business District (CBD) — one of the city’s most important zones — Surya held both DK Shivakumar and Tushar Girinath “directly responsible, answerable and accountable” for the state of affairs. He urged them to take immediate action not just for future marathons, but for the daily lives of Bengaluru’s citizens.
“Our city deserves better. And as custodians of its governance, you owe it to the people,” Surya concluded.