RajDeputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, M.P. Prakash, gave a wonderful speech on Tuesday.
“It is unfortunate that these crorepatis (industrialists) think they form a major chunk of the city’s population. The city comprises people from all professions. The Government has to cater to the needs of all sections of society and not just the IT sector,” he said.
Well, of course, how can they assume that the non-crorepati, non-IT population of the city want good roads, less traffic jams, proper drainage and sanitation, better public transport, fewer electricity outages like them?
“Instead of asking what the Government has done to improve Bangalore, why cannot the industrialists ponder over what they have done for the city,” the Deputy Chief Minister asked.
Yeah, what have they ever done for the city except bringing in foreign investment, providing employment, generating tax revenue and other countless atrocities? Not to mention the heinous act of creating a public-private body called BATF, which created bus shelters and public urinals all over the city among other things. Had the government not realized that they were evil, stopped supporting them and forced them to shut shop, who knows what other harm they might have done to the city.
So, indeed, the IT sector has no reason to complain.
Well said, Minister.
Very sarcastic yet very true
You are being too caustic. It’s not as simple as blaming each other. Karnataka, specially the northern part, has suffered from severe droughts last four years and, quite ironically, floods this year! In view of this there is a need to prioritise. In fact, M. P. Prakash’s statement is a fallout of the perceived indifference of the IT companies towards the flood situations in N. Karnataka. Everyone needs good roads, everyone needs flyovers, but there is definitely a need to consider if rescuing the flood affected regions needs immediate help or commissioning more flyovers.
@sanket: May be i am being too caustic but only because of the vehemence with which M.P. Prakash expressed his views. Its sad that the IT companies did’t help the flood affected areas but they aren’t morally bound to do so and in no way can that be used as an excuse for not doing anything for improving the infrastructure of the city that earns the state government the most revenue. Anyways, that’s just what I feel.
They are not morally bound to do so. Absolutely! There is no question of morals there at all. It’s only a question of self interest and of survival. If the IT companies have to survive they have to give back things. So is the case for every other sector, and even at the individual level. Bangalore earns the state government most revenue? No. Even if it did, we should realise that the govt. that is functioning/non functioning in Bangalore is govt. of Karnataka and not merely govt. of Bangalore.
@sanket: Hey ,its okay. Its just what I feel. I still don’t think that the government should expect anything in return for providing basic infrastructure but i respect your opinion and to tell you the truth, i dont care much for the tussle between the govt. and IT czars. I just found this speech funny.
Hi….jus came across ur blog somehow!….one of the most realistic (and yeah…witty) piece of writing i have come across for a long time. Wll keep an eye on ur blog…
Yeah, me too frm bangalore…i agree with most of ur thoughts in principle.
@harsha:Thanx a lot. I love being praised once in a while.