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The Congress leader had earlier commended her ‘supposed offer’ while using it to propose a novel public works accountability model
The controversy stems from an active public debate Shaw initiated regarding the state of Bengaluru’s infrastructure. File images/X
Biocon chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has unequivocally denied reports suggesting she offered to fund or repair Bengaluru’s notoriously poor roads. She was responding on social media site X to a post from Congress leader P Chidambaram, who had earlier commended her “supposed offer” while using it to propose a novel public works accountability model.
“The media have fabricated this news. I have never offered to repair the roads as is being suggested. I am amused that one journalists’s question to the Dep CM whether he would consider my supposed offer to repair roads seems to have transitioned into mainstream media news! No fact checking? Really sad to see this n people like u being made to comment!” Shaw wrote.
The controversy stems from an active public debate Shaw initiated regarding the state of Bengaluru’s infrastructure. She had previously voiced strong criticism of the city’s potholes and garbage situation, citing an overseas business visitor’s negative experience. This criticism sparked a public exchange with Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar.
Based on circulating media reports, former union minister Chidambaram praised Shaw’s “great offer” but argued that the central problem in public works was “execution,” not “lack of public money.” He then proposed an innovative governance tweak: using public funds and standard tender processes to select a contractor but placing the project’s quality and timely execution under the direct supervision and financial penalty of a private industrialist like Shaw.
Shaw’s response, however, pulled the rug from under the entire debate.
In the past few weeks, deteriorating civic infrastructure, especially bad roads, has become a flashpoint between Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and the Karnataka government. However, in a surprising turn of events, Shaw met deputy CM Shivakumar on Tuesday, reportedly to invite him to her nephew’s wedding.
According to Shivakumar, their conversation also touched upon Bengaluru’s growth, innovation, and the broader future of Karnataka’s development.
Reacting to online criticism, the Biocon chief, in a post on X, 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.”
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
Karnataka, India, India
October 22, 2025, 12:15 IST
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