Bengaluru Crumbles Under Potholes, Karnataka PWD Minister Goes Helicopter 'Shopping'

At a time when there is growing anger over potholes in Bengaluru, Karnataka minister Satish Jarkiholi's purchase of a helicopter for his personal use has kicked up a row in the state. Taking a swipe, the Karnataka BJP

said that Jarkiholi, the state's Public Works Department, was frustrated by the condition of the state's roads. Jarkiholi shared of adding helicopter to his personal fleet on his Facebook account. With this, Jarkiholi has earned the distinction of being the first politician in North Karnataka to own a helicopter.The BJP was quick to link the minister's purchase of helicopter with the poor roads in the state."The minister in charge of the Public Works Department, responsible for the maintenance of the state's roads, has bought a chopper, frustrated by the condition of the state's roads, saying that traveling on them is arduous. We extend our best wishes on behalf of the people of the state who are trudging along the pothole-ridden roads for your air travel to be auspicious," it said.As per reports, Satish Jarkiholi, who is in CM Siddaramaiah's close circle, purchased the new helicopter to help the party prepare for the 2028 elections.The chopper is a double-engine copter with all the latest safety features and can carry five passengers and two pilots, according to Times of India report.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2hoooIMNjQ

CM Siddaramaiah Sets One-month Deadline to Repair Bengaluru RoadsChief Minister Siddaramaiah has set a deadline of one month for the officers of the civic agency to repair all the roads in the city.He warned that the chief engineers would be held accountable if the deadline was not met.The state government has set aside Rs 750 crore to repair all the roads.According to the chief minister, about 6,000 potholes have been filled, while 8,000 more are yet to be fixed."I will hold two meetings in the next one month. I will take strict action if any shortcoming is found," Siddaramaiah told reporters.Recently BlackBuck CEO and Co-founder Rajesh Yabaji had posted on X that he was planning to move out of Outer Ring Road (Bellandur) due to pothole ridden road.On Saturday, the Peenya Industries Association too highlighted the poor state of roads in the city and told D K Shivakumar, who holds Bengaluru development portfolio, that many companies may move to neighbouring states which are providing better infrastructure.