Shivakumar on Modi bonhomie: Compete in politics, cooperate in development

'Compete in politics, cooperate in development': Karnataka CM Shivakumar on bonhomie with PM Modi

Bengaluru, Nov 14

Responding to the discussions surrounding his interaction with the Prime Minister, Chief Minister Shivakumar said people were free to interpret the moments as they wished, asserting that he had fulfilled his responsibility as a representative of the people by taking up Karnataka's demands with the Centre.

Addressing media in Bengaluru on Saturday, Chief Minister Shivakumar said, "Let anyone surmise anything. I have done my duty as a representative of the people. As a servant of all of you, I have done what is required."

Chief Minister Shivakumar made it clear that while political parties could continue their political rivalry, they should work together with the Centre on issues concerning development.

"I have stated openly that in politics, we will compete, and in development, we will cooperate," he said.

Explaining the issues he discussed with PM Modi, the Chief Minister said he had sought the Centre's intervention in securing the necessary clearances for the Mekedatu project.

Chief Minister Shivakumar said the Supreme Court had approved the project and all political parties in Karnataka had expressed consensus on taking an all-party delegation to New Delhi.

"We need clearances on forest-related concerns and other issues. We also need environmental clearance, and I have requested the Prime Minister in this regard," he said.

Chief Minister Shivakumar said he had also proposed the rejection of the Kasturirangan report and urged the Centre to constitute a technical committee to address issues concerning the Metro project.

The CM said he had sought an equal share in the Metro project and requested that pending matters be cleared expeditiously to help Bengaluru achieve its target of 500 km of Metro lines.

On the proposed double-decker flyovers, Chief Minister Shivakumar said he and Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda had explained the city's infrastructure requirements to PM Modi during a private interaction.

"I did not raise this issue in my speech. Both of us explained to the Prime Minister what Bengaluru requires," he said.

Pointing out that Bengaluru has only around eight per cent road infrastructure as compared to 18 to 20 per cent in other places, Chief Minister Shivakumar said land acquisition had become difficult as compensation was around Rs 50,000 per square foot.

He added that the state was willing to share the cost of constructing double-decker flyovers and had conveyed this to the Prime Minister.

He also reiterated that he would lead an all-party delegation to New Delhi to press for Karnataka's demands.

Asked about allegations of phone tapping, Chief Minister Shivakumar said he would obtain the complete report before commenting on the matter.

On the issue of electricity bills of the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi remaining unpaid ahead of the winter session, he said the increase in power bills was not limited to the government building.

"What are you saying? Not only Suvarna Vidhana Soudha, the electricity bills for free power supplied to farmers have increased from Rs 20,000 crore to Rs 30,000 crore. Due to the drought, everyone is drawing more power," he said.

He added that farmers were using electricity to fill their tanks, leading to increased consumption and higher bills, and said the government would take steps to rectify the situation.

— IANS