DK Shivakumar Hails Mercedes-Benz CEO’s Praise For Bengaluru’s Talent Amid Criticism Over Infra

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday highlighted Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius’s remarks praising Bengaluru’s talent, saying it underscored the city’s emergence as a global innovation

hub.

Sharing an undated video of Källenius on X, Shivakumar, who also oversees Bengaluru development, said the German automobile leader’s comments were a reflection of the city’s exceptional energy and creativity.

In the clip, Källenius is heard saying, “Every time I go to Bengaluru and come back from there, I am twice as energised… Wow, you meet someone who speaks fluent German, and when you ask, ‘Where did you study German?’, they say, ‘I’ve never been to Germany.’ That kind of intrinsic motivation, I want more of that… We will go to where that (talent) is.”

Responding to the appreciation, Shivakumar said, “Mercedes-Benz CEO Källenius’ words about Bengaluru’s exceptional talent reflect the city’s growing stature as a global innovation hub. His appreciation that every visit here ‘doubles his energy’ is a proud recognition of our people’s brilliance. Bengaluru’s creativity, talent, and spirit of innovation continue to inspire the world’s best.”

Emphasising ‘Namma Ooru’s unmatched spirit’, the deputy chief minister added that the government would continue to build on Bengaluru’s strengths to make it shine even brighter on the global stage.

The praise for Bengaluru comes amid a war of words between the industry and the government over the crumbling infrastructure, with titans such as Mohandas Pai and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw leading the demand for better roads and a solution to traffic woes to attract more investment.

Criticised for being “outsiders” who were highlighting only the negative aspects of the city, Biocon’s Mazumdar-Shaw had said: “I was born in this city and have spent seven decades of loving my city, my Kannada culture and can read write n speak this wonderful language. I don’t think I am answerable to anyone who questions my loyalty to Karnataka. I am a proud Kannadiga.”