Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has responded to Karnataka Congress MLA B Shivanna after he questioned her criticism of poor road conditions in Bengaluru's Anekal area.
The exchange began after Mazumdar-Shaw highlighted the condition of roads in the region on social media. She said residents had repeatedly raised concerns about the poor infrastructure and claimed that the local MLA had been informed about the situation for years.
Shivanna responded by suggesting that wealthy industrialists should consider using their Corporate Social Responsibility funds to help repair roads and improve infrastructure in the area.
The MLA reportedly pointed out that companies generate large revenues and could contribute some of their CSR funds towards development work. He also claimed that he had approached Mazumdar-Shaw several times seeking CSR support but had not received assistance.
Mazumdar-Shaw has now clarified that her comments were not made simply from the position of a billionaire or industrialist. Responding on X, she said she was raising the issue on behalf of ordinary citizens who felt they did not have a strong voice to highlight their problems.
“Please don't taunt me as a billionaire,” she said, adding that she does not frequently use the roads in Anekal but lives in the Huskur area and is familiar with the condition of the road connecting Huskur and Sarjapur Road.
According to her, the stretch has become difficult to use and is effectively unmotorable in places. Her comments came after residents complained about the condition of roads that are used daily by thousands of vehicles, including cars, school buses and BMTC buses.
The road dispute has once again brought Bengaluru's infrastructure problems into focus. The city's roads have faced repeated criticism over potholes, damaged surfaces and poor maintenance, particularly during periods of heavy rain.
Shivanna, meanwhile, defended his position by arguing that road maintenance requires significant and recurring funding. He said government funds are available but may not always be sufficient because roads repaired with public money can deteriorate again during the monsoon.
The MLA's remarks also highlighted the wider debate over the role of corporate CSR funding in local infrastructure development. While companies are required to spend on eligible CSR activities under Indian law, responsibility for basic public infrastructure largely remains with government authorities.
Mazumdar-Shaw's latest response has shifted the focus back to the concerns raised by local residents. Her message made clear that she wanted attention on the condition of the roads rather than on her personal wealth.
The exchange has since generated discussion online, with users debating whether road maintenance should primarily be funded through government allocations or whether companies operating in industrial areas should also play a larger role through CSR initiatives.
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