Will remain active in Karnataka politics, says Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy
Bengaluru (PTI): Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H D Kumaraswamy on Thursday asserted that he will continue to remain active in Karnataka politics and will not distance himself from the State's political affairs.
"I will not move away from state politics. I will continue to remain active in state politics," the JD(S) second-in-command said, dismissing speculation about his role being limited to the Centre.
While speaking to reporters, he said, "I am in politics. It is the people of the state who will decide where I should be. Based on the wishes of the people, I will decide when to return to state politics".
Though he had been entrusted with responsibilities at the Centre, there is no escaping from state politics, he added.
Referring to political alignments, Kumaraswamy said the JD(S) is a part of the NDA and it will not allow any confusion within the bloc.
He said the objective was to ensure good governance in Karnataka.
He added that he was closely observing the functioning of the State administration.
Referring to the Shidlaghatta incident where a Congress leader Rajeev Gowda abused the City Municipal Corporation Commissioner Amrutha Gowda for removing his banner, Kumaraswamy expressed concern over the growing pressure on officials.
"In the Shidlaghatta case, I have already informed the chief secretary. So far, there has been no response," he said.
Calling the incident unfortunate, he said political party workers and leaders should not behave inappropriately with officials. If strict action is taken in one or two cases, it will serve as a lesson.
The Union Minister alleged that pressure was being exerted on officials to carry out illegal activities. Such incidents happen when the government is not functioning properly.
Kumaraswamy also cautioned officials against compromising their integrity.
"If officials indulge in illegal activities for promotions or postings, they will have to face the consequences," Kumaraswamy said, advising them to work with a clear conscience and adhere to government rules.
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Karnataka: Centre approves preparation for DPR highway projects in Dakshina Kannada
Mangaluru (Karnataka) (PTI): The Centre has approved the preparation of DPRs for several key highway projects in Dakshina Kannada, BJP MP Captain Brijesh Chowta said on Thursday.
The approval includes widening of the Surathkal-BC Road stretch via the Mangaluru Bypass and the construction of service roads along NH-66 from Talapady to Kundapur.
According to Captain Chowta, who represents Dakshina Kannada, the approval marks the first major step towards strengthening road infrastructure along the coastal belt, addressing long-pending demands related to traffic congestion, port connectivity and road safety.
The highways serve as major entry corridors to Mangaluru city and are critical for daily passenger movement as well as the transportation of goods to and from the New Mangalore Port. However, the absence of service roads and capacity limitations have led to severe congestion and safety concerns, Chowta said in a release.
Following continuous representations, Chowta pursued the matter with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
During the 2024 Monsoon Session of Parliament, he met senior ministry officials to highlight the need for service roads on NH-66. The issue was also raised during the DISHA committee meeting in Mangaluru in September 2024.
With the Detailed Project Report approval, consultants have been formally instructed to begin work, the release said.
The DPR will assess road alignment, service roads, grade-separated junctions, traffic capacity enhancement, safety measures and long-term traffic management, it added.
Welcoming the approval, Chowta said the move would provide the technical and administrative foundation required for execution of the projects.
He thanked Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and NHAI officials for responding to the region's infrastructure needs.
