Bengaluru rains: Officials on ground to assist residents; govt committed to saving lives, property, says Deputy CM

Commuters wade through a waterlogged road in Bengaluru, on Tuesday. PIC/PTI

As rains continue to batter Bengaluru, disrupting normal life and inundating several parts of the city, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister (CM) DK Shivakumar on Tuesday said officials have been deployed for the aid of residents and they are attending to the issues caused by the downpour. He also said that there is no need for anyone to worry.

Shivakumar, who is also minister in-charge of Bengaluru Development, stated that the Karnataka government is committed to protect the lives and properties of the people, as he hit back at the opposition's criticism of the administration's "failure" in managing the situation, by asking them whether they can stop nature?

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Bengaluru witnessed heavy downpour in the past 36 hours, bringing normal life to complete standstill on Tuesday, too. Residents were seen wading through knee-deep water even as traffic jams were reported in several areas.

"We got information about two deaths late last evening. We have sent out officials. I will also go. Instructions have been given to officials. All are on the field and are attending. There is no need for anyone to worry. Our priority is to save the lives and properties of people. We are committed to it," Shivakumar said.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru ahead of traveling to Hosapete to attend an event organised to commemorate the state government's two years in office, Shivakumar said CM Siddaramaiah will be visiting some rain-affected spots on Wednesday.

"I visited some spots last night. Irrespective of wherever we are, our duty is to save Bengaluru's pride, and we will do it," he added.

When asked about the opposition's criticism of the Congress government and its ‘Brand Bengaluru', the Deputy CM asked, "Can they stop nature? No one can stop. Let them criticise, we will do our duty."

Replying to a question on the possibility of more rains, Shivakumar said, "I'm someone who says let there be rains, let anyone say anything. More the rain comes, the better for the state."

Speaking on the condition of roads in Bengaluru amid the rains, Shivakumar said that work is on and permanent concrete roads are being laid.

(With PTI inputs)