Vatal calls for Bengaluru bandh over crumbling roads

Bengaluru: The President of Kannada Chalavali Vatal Paksha, Vatal Nagaraj, has announced that his party will soon call upon other Kannada or ganisations to join hands for a Bengaluru bandh next week, in protest against the city’s deteriorating road conditions.

On Saturday, the Kannada Chalavali Vatal Paksha staged a symbolic protest near Kempegowda Bus Station, condemning the poor condition of Bengaluru’s roads, which they described as resembling ‘bullock-cart paths’.

To highlight the severity of the issue, party leader Vatal Nagaraj rode a bullock cart through the pothole-filled streets, dramatically showcasing the crumbling state of the in frastructure. Nagaraj highlighted how potholes and damaged stretches have made commuting in the city increasingly dangerous.

“Every street is filled with craters. Vehicles are being damaged, motorists are suffering, and pe destrians face even worse ordeals,” he said. Criticising the GBA and the state government, Nagaraj said that despite collecting heavy taxes, both have failed to main tain Bengaluru’s infrastructure.

“Our so-called Smart City roads have turned into death traps. Every day, accidents occur because of government negligence,” he remarked. He urged government authorities to wake up and act immediately, and warned that the Kannada Chalavali will continue its agitation otherwise.

Expanding his criticism beyond road conditions, Nagaraj said the government has failed on several fronts. “There aren’t enough public toilets, government hospitals are in poor shape, rainwater floods homes and roads, and crime is on the rise. I urge the government to focus on the state’s wel fare rather than politics,” he said.

Holding all political parties accountable for the city’s decline, he added, “This is not the failure of one party; every ruling government shares the blame for years of mismanagement.” He urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to personally assess the city’s challenges and devise long term solutions.