DK Shivakumar warned BJP leaders accused of blocking garbage disposal in Bengaluru’s outer areas that waste collection will be stopped in their constituencies if the obstruction continues. He said if BJP representatives refuse to allow dumping, the government will stop picking up garbage from those areas and inform residents about the situation.

Shivakumar stated that the state has already allocated significant funds, including amounts of Rs 100 crore, Rs 50 crore, and smaller grants, but questioned demands for much larger sums beyond approved budgets. He added that the government is arranging additional dumping sites and fulfilling its responsibilities.

The Deputy Chief Minister also criticised BJP MLAs, including Aravind Limbavali and Dheeraj Muniraj, accusing them of deliberately blocking garbage trucks to pressure the Congress-led government for development funds. He warned that strict action could be taken under the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) if the disruptions continue.

Shivakumar further alleged that the opposition was attempting to “blackmail” the government and said waste could be dumped near the homes of BJP leaders or their party office if the interference persists. He also defended the continuation of garbage disposal despite accidents, saying legal action would be taken where necessary but waste management services cannot be halted. He criticised contractors for suspending work, questioning why they accepted projects during the previous BJP government despite insufficient funding, and said tenders should match the available budget.