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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'Someone must be held accountable': HC converts civil suit on Goa nightclub tragedy into PIL
Panaji (PTI): The Bombay High Court on Monday converted a civil suit against Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub into a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) saying "someone has to be held accountable" for the tragedy in which 25 people were killed.In a stern observation, Goa bench of the High Court of Justices Sarang Kotwal and Ashish Chavan said the local panchayat had "failed to take suo motu cognisance" of the club and had taken "no action despite complaints."
The division bench directed the Goa government to file a detailed reply on the permissions granted to the nightclub.
The High Court, while fixing January 8 as the next date of hearing, pointed out that commercial operations were continuing in the structure despite it having been served a demolition order.
The original petition was filed after the December 6 tragedy by Pradeep Ghadi Amonkar and Sunil Divkar, the owners of the land on which the nightclub was operating.
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Advocate Rohit Bras de Sa, the lawyer representing the petitioner, was made amicus curiae in the matter and has been asked to file a detailed affidavit in the matter.
In their petition, Amonkar and Divkar highlighted "the alarming pattern of statutory violations that have remained inadequately addressed despite multiple complaints, inspections, show-cause notices, and even a demolition order".
They contended that these violations posed "immediate threats to public safety, ecological integrity, and the rule of law in the state of Goa."
Investigations by multiple agencies into the nightclub fire have revealed various irregularities, including lack of permissions to operate the nightclub.
The Goa police arrested five managers and staff members of the club, while co-owners Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra have been detained in Thailand after they fled the country.
