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Karnataka Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the State Council DK Shivakumar He said that the current Congress government, unlike the previous government also led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, will not give in to public protests against development projects, especially under him as development minister in Bengaluru.
In his remarks on Tuesday in Hassan, Shivakumar clearly referred to the previous Congress government led by Siddaramaiah (2013-2018) that gave in to protests against the construction of a steel bridge in the heart of Bengaluru in 2017.
“The former Siddaramaiah government proceeded with the construction of a steel bridge but CM and (KJ) George (then Bengaluru Development Minister) backtracked after criticism over allegations of corruption in the project, saying they did not want to go ahead,” in a celebration marking the birth anniversary of Bengaluru’s founding father. Kempe Gowda.
“If I were in their situation, I wouldn’t back down but would continue with the project. I’ll make some decisions now too, and I’m not saying I won’t do anything. Let all those who want to dissent and protest prepare. They can protest as much as they want, but I’ll keep moving forward,” Shivakumar said.
The Deputy Prime Minister was referring to a multi-square steel bridge project between Ballari Road and Kempegowda International Airport Road which was proposed by the previous Congress government but had to be abandoned after public protests over its cost – Rs 1,350 crore – and also because of the expected environmental damage from cutting over 800 km. tree.
Siddaramaiah’s government gave in to the protests surrounding the #SteelFlyoverBeda campaign, in which several civic groups took part, although Congress at the time alleged that the BJP had a hand in the protests. Ultimately, the state government canceled the project in 2017 in the wake of protests, suspensions by the National Green Court, and allegations of corruption by the BJP.
We have not received a single rupee in commission on the project. BJP claims there is a commission of Rs 65 crore, which is allegedly mentioned in memos. But this is completely untrue,” Bengaluru Development Minister and current Energy Minister KJ George said at the time.
The project, which was initially scheduled to be built from Basaveshwara roundabout to Heibal Bridge, has been extended to Esteem Mall on the same stretch. The government organized several meetings and discussions with the public and opposition parties to remove doubts, but later abandoned the entire project.
The Karnataka state Congress chief said on Tuesday that he intended to leave a legacy of contributions to the development of Bengaluru and was in the process of making further plans for this. “We don’t believe there is a place in building statues but in carrying out development. We believe in development. I won’t say others didn’t do anything — they did what they could in their capacity,” said Shivakumar, carefully digging into the BJP’s spree to install statues during the period 2019-23, we are looking at all issues – water problem, garbage, etc.
“We contribute 42% of the country’s IT exports, but we get only 17% in return from the central budget. Bengaluru-educated people are positioned all over the world. Those who have earned more than 80% of Scores in the exams will go abroad, and only those with scores below 75% will stay in the city.”
I was a minister of power earlier, and I have a left footprint in this sector. Whether people accept it or not, it appeals to my conscience. Now I want to do something for Bengaluru. I am very excited about this, so I have taken the responsibility of the development minister in Bengaluru with a great deal of seriousness.” I am having discussions to solve the problems. top”.
BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya tweeted in Siddharamaya district, “Basically, DK Shivkumar says Siddaramaiah is not good as an official or even as a chief minister. Not even a few months have passed and the internecine war between the two factions threatens to cripple the government of Karnataka. Nor has it been done. Implementation of 5 guarantees.
After winning elections last year, both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar claimed the top post in the state. With no numbers on his side, Shivakumar was persuaded to step down after several rounds of talks and Siddaramaiah became Chief Minister with the support of the Congress high command. The two leaders have put forward a united front since then, but the Bharatiya Janata Party has claimed that it is time before cracks appear in the Congress government.
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