Red Carpet Sparks Outrage as Karnataka CM Visits Flood-Hit Bengaluru

Red Carpet Row in Flood-Hit Bengaluru

In a move that has sparked widespread outrage, a red carpet laid out for Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar during a visit to flood-affected areas in Bengaluru was hastily removed on Wednesday.

The red carpet, which had been rolled out in HBR Layout, one of the hardest-hit areas, drew sharp criticism from locals and onlookers who questioned the appropriateness of such ceremonial arrangements amidst a worsening humanitarian crisis. Many expressed disbelief at what they perceived as misplaced priorities.

The zonal commissioner of the East Bengaluru Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) ordered the removal of the carpet, stating that the administration’s focus should remain on relief and rehabilitation efforts, not on pageantry.

Bengaluru Braces for More Rain

The controversy unfolded against the backdrop of relentless rain in Bengaluru. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a heavy rainfall alert for Wednesday, following a day of intense downpours on Tuesday. In response, several tech companies and multinational corporations offered work-from-home options to their employees, prioritizing safety during the daily commute.

The city recorded an average rainfall of 42.7mm on Tuesday, with some areas experiencing significantly higher amounts. RR Nagar zone, for instance, received a staggering 150mm of rain on Monday night – the highest amount recorded in over a decade.