The BBMP dismissed BJP MP Tejasvi Surya’s criticism of Bengaluru’s road conditions during the TCS World 10K marathon, saying the route was “safe and excellent.” Citing an engineer’s report and the event organiser’s confirmation, the civic body said, “Abhishek Pal’s record 29:12 finish showed the road conditions were excellent.”

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In response, Surya took to X (formerly Twitter) with a sarcastic post: “Ok, BBMP, now that you have said, we will believe that Bengaluru roads have no potholes. They are the best roads. And, you are simply the best. Slow claps.”

The exchange follows Surya’s scathing open letter to Bengaluru Incharge Minister DK Shivakumar and BBMP Commissioner Tushar Girinath, in which he slammed the city’s “pathetic” infrastructure during the international sporting event held on Sunday.

Surya, who participated in the run, said that pothole-ridden roads, garbage heaps, and damaged footpaths posed a threat to over 40,000 runners. He said wheelchair users had to be assisted throughout the race, not because of their disabilities, but due to “unforgiving” civic infrastructure.

Comparing the event to the Mumbai Marathon, Surya said Bengaluru had fallen short on basic upkeep and blamed Shivakumar and Girinath directly for the lapses. “Our city deserves better. And as custodians of its governance, you owe it to the people,” he wrote.

The BBMP’s rebuttal, however, attempted to shift the narrative, emphasising a successful event. But Surya’s sharp reply has amplified public debate over civic responsibility in a city struggling with urban decay.

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The TCS World 10K, a major international event, has now become the latest flashpoint in the political discourse over Bengaluru’s deteriorating public infrastructure.