BJP leaders have no concern for Bengaluru’s development: Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar
Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday accused BJP leaders of neglecting Bengaluru’s development, questioning what they had achieved for the city during their tenure.
"I am not a technical expert, and neither is Tejasvi Surya"
Speaking to reporters at the KPCC office on Queens Road, Shivakumar said, “BJP leaders have no real concern for Bengaluru’s growth. What did they do for the city when they were in power?”
Responding to criticism over the proposed tunnel road project, he remarked, “I am not a technical expert, and neither is Tejasvi Surya. That’s why a dedicated team of technical experts is handling the matter.”
Shivakumar further commented on BJP MP Tejasvi Surya’s remarks about implementing the suburban rail project: “Let him do it; there’s nothing wrong with that. He should ensure that the required funds come from the central government. Our own Somanna is the Union Railway Minister—let them seek his help. If they want to fight for Bengaluru, let them. Who is stopping them?”
The Deputy CM noted that apart from Tejasvi Surya and R. Ashoka, no other BJP leader had spoken up about the city’s issues. “We are doing our work. People have seen our commitment and are supporting our efforts. I am confident our projects will be implemented,” he added.
When asked about discussions within the Congress over a possible change of Chief Minister and demands for a Dalit CM, Shivakumar said, “There’s no need to tire ourselves by making unnecessary comments.”
On Rahul Gandhi’s proposed visit to Karnataka on November 20 to lay the foundation stone for new Congress offices, he clarified, “The date has not been finalized yet. I have submitted a proposal, and land documents are being prepared. Once my report is sent, the high command will decide the date.”
He also revealed that the Congress leadership has sought a detailed report on which ministers, MPs, and district presidents have shown interest in the construction of party offices. “I am preparing that report,” he said.
Responding to BJP leader B. Sriramulu’s claim that ₹300 crore in unaccounted funds were sent to Bihar for election purposes, Shivakumar quipped, “It was the same money Shriramulu gave to the Congress party that we sent to Bihar.”
Regarding the selection of candidates for the upcoming Legislative Council elections from the graduates’ and teachers’ constituencies, Shivakumar said that discussions were underway. “Each constituency has about five to six aspirants. We’ll finalize the candidates within 8–10 days after consulting ministers and MLAs from the respective districts,” he added.
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BJP to fight Assam polls on twin planks of development, secure state
Guwahati (PTI): In a bid to win the Assam Assembly elections for the third time in a row, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday advised the state BJP brass to fight on twin planks: development and a secure state.
Shah, who wound up a two-day visit to Assam, held a nearly two-hour-long meeting with senior leaders of the BJP state unit at the party headquarters here, with a focus on discussing strategy for the state elections, expected in March-April.
Briefing reporters after the closed-door meeting, BJP Assam president Dilip Saikia said, "Development and a secure Assam will be our twin electoral planks."
He also said that Shah, known for his expertise in electoral politics, has offered valuable suggestions, and based on it, an action plan to retain power in the state will be formulated soon.
“Discussions were held in detail on our organisational and political calendars. Shah ji offered some very valuable suggestions, and we will implement those at the earliest…We will share more details on the action plan soon,” Saikia said.
He further said that the Union minister exhorted the state party leadership to ensure that not only do they secure a ‘massive landslide victory’ but also bag more seats than in the previous election.
The BJP currently leads a coalition government in Assam with the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and United People's Party Liberal (UPPL), while the Bodoland People's Front (BPF) has also extended support.
In the 126-member Assembly, the BJP now has 64 legislators, while its allies AGP, UPPL and BPF have nine, seven and three memnbers, respectively. In the opposition camp, the Congress’ strength is 26, while AIUDF has 15 members and CPI(M) one. There is an Independent legislator also, belonging to Raijor Dal.
Saikia said that the party will continue to contest the state polls in coalition with its NDA allies, which was also favoured by Shah.
Dismissing reports of chinks in the ruling coalition, the Lok Sabha MP said, “As far as the NDA is concerned, we are united in Assam. There could be discussions about some issues on individual party forums.”
The saffron party has maintained that its alliance with the regional parties will continue, and formalities like seat-sharing arrangements are being worked out.
Shah, who was on his second visit to the state within a month, attended two other events in Dibrugarh and Dheamji earlier in the day. He left for West Bengal after the meeting at the Guwahati state party headquarters.
