Sunil Lohan
*Shivajinagar is the heart of Bengaluru.
*New Bengaluru corporations to groom fresh leadership.
*Door-to-door resident data collection planned for city safety.
“True development lies not just in constructing buildings, but in transforming people’s lives and creating new opportunities for the youth,”said Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
He was speaking after inaugurating a community hall,a modern techno-gym,and a badminton court during the ‘Bharathinagar Habba’ (festival) held near the Bharathinagar police station on Sunday.
“Young people are our nation’s greatest asset.To nurture leadership qualities among them—while promoting sports, cultural activities, social harmony, and environmental conservation—we have established 10,000 Bharat Jodo Youth Associations across the state.
Officials have been instructed to induct young people who visit gyms and sports facilities into these associations,” he said.
Shivajinagar is the Heart of Bengaluru :
“Shivajinagar is the heart of Bengaluru.The love and trust of the people here are my greatest assets.The residents of Shivajinagar have never let down our government,our party,or our leaders.
Even when several MLAs deserted the party during the by-elections, the people of this constituency stood firmly behind the Congress. Our castes, religions,and languages may differ,but our hearts beat as one,he stated.
“The Bharat Jodo Youth Associations have received an overwhelming response, with over 200 members enrolling in every ward.
I plan to meet and interact with youth aged 16 to 35 on a single platform,and I will instruct minister Rizwan Arshad to organise this youth convention right here in Bharathinagar,” he added.
Praising the local legislator and Minister Rizwan Arshad, the Chief Minister said,”Rizwan Arshad is creating fresh avenues for the constituency’s youth.
Ordinary families often have to spend lakhs of rupees on private halls for weddings,thread ceremonies,and naming ceremonies.
This new community hall has been built to spare them that financial burden and provide an affordable venue.
Similarly,the gym and badminton court will aid in the physical fitness and personality development of our youth.”
“Our government’s priority extends beyond Bengaluru to the development of the entire state.
A major share of the tax revenue generated in Bengaluru is allocated to other regions of Karnataka,and it is vital that citizens everywhere receive proper facilities and support,”he noted.
“Grants have been earmarked for rural development through panchayats.We have drawn up plans to spend ₹20,000 crore to ₹25,000 crore on developing state roads, alongside ₹10,000 crore over the next year for town and city municipal councils.
Bengaluru’s revenue is being equitably distributed to drive growth across Karnataka,” he explained.
Addressing the city’s traffic woes, Shivakumar remarked, “With the number of vehicles in Bengaluru touching 1.40 crore, traffic congestion has become a massive challenge.
Narrow roads, surging vehicle numbers, and legal hurdles in property acquisition make road widening difficult.
If a single building demolition case lands in court, it can drag on for years. Therefore, the government is exploring practical alternatives to resolve the city’s infrastructure bottlenecks.”
New Bengaluru Corporations to Groom Fresh Leadership
“MLA Rizwan Arshad played a pivotal role in the process of restructuring Bengaluru into five separate municipal corporations.
Both the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council have passed the bill, and the official notification has been issued following the Governor’s assent.
We have sought the court’s permission to hold elections under this new framework.As soon as we get the nod, we will conduct polls and groom 369 new leaders across the five corporations,” he announced.
“Maintaining law and order in Bengaluru is a top priority. Special measures are underway to crack down on crime, rowdyism, and the drug menace.
Our goal is to foster an environment where citizens can walk the streets safely and with dignity even at midnight or 2 AM. To achieve this, the Home Department has been directed to set up a dedicated wing,”he said.
Resident Data Collection for Safety :
“To ensure the safety of residents, there is a pressing need to collect household-level data across the city.It has also come to our notice that Bengaluru’s electoral roll has shrunk from 51 lakh to 45 lakh voters.
Given this, instructions will be issued to ensure the police department maintains accurate records of who resides where in the city,”he said.
Highlighting welfare initiatives, he continued,The government has rolled out several schemes to support the unemployed.
Steps are being taken to rehabilitate street vendors,with roughly 30,000 vendors already identified.In the first phase, tenders have been floated to provide vending vehicles to 1,500 beneficiaries.
Additionally,the Social Welfare Department is implementing various projects worth ₹352 crore to benefit around 15,000 to 17,000 people.”
Taking a swipe at the opposition,Shivakumar said,The government has also taken note of vehicle issues caused by ethanol blending.
Opposition parties have failed to raise their voices regarding consumer grievances like engine damage and reduced mileage.”
“The Central Government has not been people-friendly when it comes to hiking petrol and diesel prices. If the Centre reduces its taxes, the state government will also take steps to lower fuel prices,”he added.
“Bengaluru must remain a city where people of all faiths and communities live in peace.Our government is committed to providing equal constitutional protection to everyone—Hindus,Christians,
We will safeguard both the Kannada ethos and the livelihoods of all residents.Peace and harmony will be maintained without giving any room for communal conflict,”he asserted.
Concluding his address,he said,”Rizwan Arshad brings rich experience and has earned the trust of his constituents.
He mingles warmly with the youth and works tirelessly for the area’s progress.I wish him a bright political future and assure him of the complete cooperation of the government and officials in developing this constituency.”
