Karnataka Dy CM DK Shivakumar Warns AI Could Cut 50% Jobs in Bengaluru

May 2, 2026 12:16 AM IST | Written by Neelam Sharma | Edited by Vaibhav Jha

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said that artificial intelligence (AI) could result in “loss of 50% jobs” in Bengaluru city, often referred to as the silicon valley of India, even as he stressed on the city’s unique offering of tech bloom in India.

Speaking at the Network18 Future of Work Summit on Wednesday, he described AI as a serious challenge for the labour market and said governments must prepare for large-scale disruption.

“We know the future of AI, this will cut a lot of jobs. I am also an educationist by choice and I could foresee that more than 50% of jobs will be cut in Bengaluru and other cities of India. But still, Bengaluru has a very big space, as a future,” said Shivakumar.

According to the latest data by CBRE’s 2025 report, ‘Global Tech Talent Guidebook’, Bengaluru hosts over 1 million jobs in the IT sector, with the city ranked among the top 12 global technology hubs alongside Beijing, Shanghai, San Francisco Bay area and Tokyo. The city’s IT sector was recently impacted by a massive job layoff announced by Oracle due to AI related investments.

Shivakumar’s remarks quickly gained traction online, sparking debate among citizens.

Many social media users linked his statement to comments made by Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, who has warned that AI could eliminate a large portion of entry-level white-collar jobs within a few years. While some users agreed with the concern, others questioned whether such large-scale job losses are realistic.

🚨 “There will be 50% job cuts in Bangalore and different parts of India because of AI.” – Karnataka Dy. CM D. K. Shivakumar. pic.twitter.com/3IaYvV20Ec

— Indian Tech & Infra (@IndianTechGuide) April 30, 2026

Reactions online reflected both fear and skepticism. Some users stressed the need for government planning, reskilling programs, and alternative employment options to avoid social and economic disruption. On the other hand, many believe that AI will not just eliminate jobs, but will instead change the way that jobs are done. A few comments made were in the form of jokes about how AI could affect the housing market in Bengaluru.

At the same event, N Manjula, Secretary in Karnataka’s Department of Electronics and IT, acknowledged that some job losses are likely. However, she also emphasized that AI will create new opportunities and lead to the evolution of jobs across sectors.

Shivakumar asked policymakers to introduce legislation and policies that allow for a means of working with AI using a human-centred approach and that any use of technology is about enhancing human capabilities, rather than taking the place of human labour. Furthermore, the Vice Chairman stated that Bengaluru must lead the way by example when finding a balance between innovation and inclusive development so that it remains India’s Silicon Valley.

Also Read: 80K Tech Jobs Cut in Q1 2026; Nearly Half Due to AI: New Report

Authors

Neelam Sharma

Neelam Sharma is a passionate storyteller, and journalist with over a decade of experience across leading Indian media houses.
Known for her calm presence on screen and powerful storytelling off it, Neelam brings a rare blend of credibility, creativity, and empathy to journalism. Her strength lies in ground reporting and research-driven narratives that connect with the heart of the audience. Whether covering social issues, human-interest features, or breaking news, she combines factual depth with a human touch—making every story not just informative.

Vaibhav Jha

Vaibhav Jha is an Editor and Co-founder of AI FrontPage. In his decade long career in journalism, Vaibhav has reported for publications including The Indian Express, Hindustan Times, and The New York Times, covering the intersection of technology, policy, and society. Outside work, he’s usually trying to persuade people to watch Anurag Kashyap films.