Deputy CM DK Shivakumar launches scathing attack on Bengaluru MP Tejasvi Surya over tunnel road remarks, says BJP did nothing for city development.
Bengaluru: In a blistering counterattack, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday described Bangalore South MP Tejasvi Surya as “immature and an inexperienced waste material”, after the BJP MP criticized the government’s proposed tunnel road project in the city.
“He’s just a boy — inexperienced and immature. I respected him and invited him for talks, yet he keeps speaking nonsense. If he truly opposes tunnel roads, let him pass a resolution in Parliament after becoming a Union Minister,” Shivakumar said while addressing the media at a private hotel in Bengaluru.
‘Let Him and His Family Travel by Bus’
Responding to Surya’s comments that such projects should be evaluated by experts, the Deputy CM ridiculed the MP’s stance, asking him to practice what he preaches.
“Why does he travel by car? Let him and his family take the BMTC buses, metros, and autorickshaws. Why should his party’s MLAs and leaders use cars if they oppose vehicle-based infrastructure?” Shivakumar questioned.
He added, “There are over 1.3 crore vehicles in Bengaluru. Can he tell people not to drive? I once said no girl would marry a boy without a car — he’s holding onto that statement and twisting it. Let’s be realistic.”
‘BJP Did Nothing for Bengaluru’
Dismissing the tunnel road criticism as politically motivated, Shivakumar accused the BJP of neglecting the city during its tenure.
“We brought the Metro to Bengaluru. What did they do when in power? How much central funding did they secure? Only 11–12% of Metro costs come from the Centre — the state bears everything, including land acquisition,” he said.
The Deputy CM reiterated that technical experts are already involved in the project and that his government would continue with infrastructure development without political interference.
‘He Is a Waste Material, Empty Trunk’
Taking his verbal attack a step further, Shivakumar mocked the young MP’s political maturity.
“Don’t compare me with him — he’s a waste material, an empty trunk. If senior BJP leaders like R Ashoka, C N Ashwath Narayan, Basavaraj Bommai, or Jagadish Shettar speak, I’ll respond — because they understand governance. Tejasvi doesn’t even know what it takes to build a BRTS corridor or acquire land in Bengaluru,” he said.
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