In a fiery political showdown, Karnataka Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of “hijacking” credit for the Bengaluru Metro’s Yellow Line Phase 2, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 10, 2025. Kharge claims the project, a cornerstone of Bengaluru’s urban mobility, owes its completion largely to the state government’s hefty financial contributions, overshadowing what he calls a diminished central role.
The 19-km Yellow Line, stretching from RV Road to Bommasandra with 16 stations, was built at a cost of approximately ₹7,160 crore, expanding Bengaluru’s metro network to over 96 km. Kharge, in a post on X, emphasized that the project was initiated under the UPA government led by Dr. Manmohan Singh, with the Centre initially bearing a significant portion of costs. “In the first phase, the UPA outpaced the state’s contribution,” he stated, alleging that after the BJP assumed power, their commitment waned, with central funding dropping to a “paltry” ₹8,000 crore compared to Karnataka’s ₹12,000 crore, which covered land acquisition and additional expenses.
Kharge further criticized the BJP, claiming their reduced support forced the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to secure loans to bridge the funding gap. He highlighted a broader inequity, noting, “While Karnataka’s contributions to the Centre grow yearly, returns to the state diminish. The Yellow Line is a glaring example.”
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In contrast, Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya credited Modi’s vision for advancing public infrastructure, asserting that the Yellow Line and the upcoming Orange Line (Phase 3, foundation laid on the same day) will benefit 18 lakh commuters. Surya dismissed Congress’s claims, accusing them of seeking credit for achievements like the IPL victory where they played no role. “The real credit belongs to Bengaluru’s people,” he told PTI Videos.
The controversy coincides with Modi’s visit to inaugurate the Yellow Line and flag off three Vande Bharat Express trains, including one between Bengaluru and Belagavi. The Orange Line, a 44-km stretch with 31 elevated stations costing ₹15,611 crore, aims to further ease congestion in key corridors like Hosur Road and Electronics City.
This public spat underscores deeper tensions over infrastructure funding and political credit, with Kharge’s #CreditChori hashtag gaining traction on X, framing the BJP’s actions as an attempt to shift focus from alleged electoral misconduct (#VoteChori).
As Bengaluru’s metro network grows, the battle for recognition intensifies, reflecting the high stakes of urban development in India’s tech capital.
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