In a unique protest on Friday, Karnataka Rashtra Samithi (KRS) activists performed a "pooja" (worship) by placing flowers in potholes, protesting the city's unrepaired roads for several months.
They expressed anger against officials and elected representatives, warning of road blockades if the potholes are not fixed.
Protesters alleged that the Chintamani-Murugamalla main road is a high-traffic route, with significant potholes near the railway underpass at Kariyappalli. They pointed out that iron rods embedded in the concrete road have come loose, posing a danger, yet no one seems to be paying attention.
Activists highlighted that a large number of devotees visit Hazrat Ammajan Bavajan Dargah and Jungle Peer Dargah in Murugamalla, Hazrat Syed Jalal Khaki-Shah-Moula Baba Dargah in Nimmakayalahalli, and the Venkataramana and Gangabhavani temples on Muktishwara and Murugamalla hills, as well as the Yerakote Gangamma and Yagavakote Veeranarayana temples, leading to heavy vehicle traffic.
They recalled that in 2023, activists had previously protested by performing a "pooja" on potholes, which led officials to grudgingly fill them. "Currently, officials are turning a blind eye to the unrepaired potholes. We are bringing this to their attention once again. They should now wake up, fill the potholes, and ensure convenience for motorists and the public," they urged.
KRS Party Taluk President Abdul Khayyum, District Secretary Shivareddy, Taluk Secretary Vishwanath, along with Subhan, C.M. Muzamil, Abjal Pasha, Afroze, Anji, Syed Akbar, Narayanaswamy, Devaraj, and Firoz Pasha participated in the protest.