‘We Will Compete In Politics, Cooperate In Development’: DK Shivakumar

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday responded to political discussions surrounding his interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Friday’s Bengaluru programmes.

Addressing reporters, Shivakumar said people could draw their own conclusions from their meeting. He maintained that he had represented Karnataka’s interests by placing the state’s requirements before the Centre.

Karnataka Chief Minister said his responsibility as an elected representative required him to pursue development-related demands with the Union government.

“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,” he said.

The Chief Minister emphasised that political opponents could maintain their differences while finding common ground on development matters.

“I have stated openly that in politics, we will compete, and in development, we will cooperate,” he added.

The Chief Minister sought equal financial participation from the Centre in Metro development. He further pressed for faster decisions on outstanding matters to support Bengaluru’s target of developing 500 km of Metro lines.

CM Shivakumar revealed that he and Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda discussed the city’s infrastructure needs with PM Modi during a private meeting. He pointed out that Bengaluru’s road infrastructure covers approximately eight per cent of its area, compared with 18–20 per cent in other places.

Karnataka Chief Minister highlighted the rising cost of land acquisition, with compensation reaching around ₹50,000 per square foot.

The state government has offered to share the expenditure on proposed double-decker flyovers.

Shivakumar reaffirmed his intention to lead an all-party delegation to New Delhi to pursue Karnataka’s pending demands.

Responding to allegations of phone tapping, the Chief Minister said he would examine the complete report before making any statement. He further addressed concerns over rising electricity bills at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi.

Citing increased agricultural power consumption, CM Shivakumar said the expenditure on free electricity for farmers had climbed from ₹20,000 crore to ₹30,000 crore.

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