Responding to BJP MLAs obstructing garbage trucks from dumping waste in their areas, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar criticized the opposition for impeding essential civic services. Shivakumar cautioned that if this behavior persisted, garbage might be dumped in front of BJP offices and leaders’ residences. He accused BJP legislators of demanding benefits and funds, threatening to take action under the Essential Services Maintenance Act if such actions continued.
Shivakumar made these remarks in Bengaluru amidst rising tensions regarding waste disposal and protests against dumping in specific locations. He emphasized that all MLAs, including BJP members, were pressuring to avoid waste dumping in their constituencies and seeking various advantages. Shivakumar warned that if garbage vehicles were obstructed, the waste would be deposited in front of the offenders’ homes or BJP offices.
When questioned about the opposition to waste dumping by BJP MLAs, Shivakumar alleged that they were seeking development funds for their areas and resorting to blackmail to secure them. He acknowledged past accidents involving garbage trucks and assured that legal action would be taken if necessary. Shivakumar also mentioned plans to redirect garbage trucks to dumping sites in specific constituencies in Bengaluru.
Tension escalated on the outskirts of Bengaluru as over 300 garbage trucks en route to Doddaballapur were halted by local residents and BJP leaders opposing waste disposal in the region. The trucks were redirected following protests against dumping in Mahadevapura, with local authorities issuing orders for the diversion. However, the trucks were stopped near Dodda Mankala by residents, led by BJP MLA Dheeraj Muniraju, protesting against garbage dumping, resulting in fines imposed on some trucks for violations.
