‘Treat People With Dignity’: Nara Lokesh To Shivakumar Over ‘Blackmail’ Jibe At BlackBuck CEO | Politics News

Last Updated:September 18, 2025, 18:41 IST

Andhra Minister Nara Lokesh responded to Karnataka Deputy CM Shivakumar’s “blackmail” jibe at BlackBuck CEO Rajesh Yabaji, who announced his plans to move out of Bengaluru.

Andhra Minister Lokesh Nara and Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar. (PTI/File)

Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh took a dig at Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, saying his state does not dismiss genuine grievances as “blackmail” amid a row over the online trucking platform BlackBuck’s exit from Bengaluru.

Bengaluru’s infrastructure and traffic woes have long been under scrutiny were thrust into the spotlight once again after Rajesh Yabaji, the co-founder of BlackBuck, announced his decision to move out of Bengaluru’s Outer Ring Road (ORR).

DK Shivakumar responded to this by saying that the government is working to ensure that no company leaves the IT capital over infrastructure-related issues but “blackmailing the government” will not work, adding that anyone is free to move out if they are not satisfied.

In an apparent dig at DK Shivakumar, Lokesh said Andhra Pradesh does not dismiss the genuine grievances of people as “blackmail” and instead treats them with dignity and seriousness.

What’s The Matter?

The matter arose when Yabaji on Tuesday announced through a social media post that the company has decided to move out of its current location at Bellandur on Bengaluru’s Outer Ring Road (ORR), citing “worsening infrastructure and commute issues” in the metropolis.

“ORR (Bellandur) has been our “office + home” for the last 9 years. But it’s now very-very hard to continue here. We have decided to move out,” Yabaji said on X, adding that the average commute for colleagues has increased over 1.5 hours and roads are full of potholes and dust.

“Great decision. Plus real estate is massively overvalued in that entire stretch. Builders are asking more than the current prices of Chicago and Dubai for the infrastructure of Somalia,” a netizen commented on Yabaji’s post.

As the comments spread widely online, many users seized upon them to criticise Bengaluru’s civic conditions. However, DK Shivakumar said that “blackmailing the government” would not work, while assuring that is working to ensure that no company leaves the IT capital.

Lokesh joined the conversation by offering BlackBuck to relocate to Vizag. “We are rated among top 5 cleanest cities in India, are building best-in-class infra, and have been rated the safest city for women. Please send me a DM,” the Andhra minister said on X.

In another post, the TDP leader said, “Here’s what sets AP apart from others – we don’t dismiss our people’s genuine grievances as ‘Blackmail’. We treat them with the dignity and seriousness they deserve.”

What Did People Say?

While several social media users lauded Lokesh  for offering to help relocate the company to Andhra Pradesh, others also highlighted development concerns in the state.

“This kind of focus is what can propel India toward developed-nation status. How often do you see powerful politicians so openly courting businessmen to invest in their state?” a user wrote. Another said, “Vizag is too far for Bangalore-based companies. Border-area SEZs would help.”

“I’m sure you know building the best infrastructure doesn’t mean adding more flyovers, adding more concrete and adding more roads. What we need is a mobility friendly infrastructure like any developed countries have,” a third person commented.

Aveek Banerjee

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international…Read More

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international… Read More

Read More