Sunil Lohan
Deputy Chief Minister D.K.Shivakumar said that the decision regarding granting permission for cricket matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium will be discussed and finalised during the Cabinet meeting scheduled for Thursday.
Speaking to the media at the Circuit House in Belagavi on Wednesday, after newly elected KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad called on him, the DCM said“We have no intention of stopping cricket matches.But crowd-management measures must be reviewed.
We also intend to implement the recommendations made by the Michael D’Cunha Committee in a phased manner. Venkatesh Prasad has agreed to this.”
He added that the government is committed to ensuring that the honour and dignity of the state are upheld,while also addressing the sentiments of lakhs of cricket fans.
“We will not allow IPL or any other matches to move out of Bengaluru.I have told them that we must work together.The government is also considering the construction of new stadiums,”he said.
The DCM added that Prasad,along with other members of the newly elected KSCA team,met the Chief Minister and sought the government’s cooperation to continue hosting matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium.
“Former cricketers Javagal Srinath and Anil Kumble have supported Prasad’s team.I wish them success in their new responsibility and have conveyed the government’s best wishes,”he said.
Spoke Boldly About Dharmasthala Conspiracy:
When asked about his earlier remark regarding a conspiracy in the Dharmasthala case and reports that the complainants themselves have now been named accused in the chargesheet,Shivakumar said:
“I know the history of Dharmasthala,and I knew they would never be involved in such acts.That is why I spoke confidently.I have not read the chargesheet yet,but the truth has come out.This conspiracy arose due to deep internal conflicts between the BJP and the RSS.”
Farmers’Issues Resolved:DCM
Responding to the opposition’s allegation that the government had failed to address farmers’ concerns, he said:
“These are purely political statements.Our government has resolved farmers’ issues.We have taken major decisions regarding the procurement of sugarcane and maize.The BJP has failed in this regard.”
Hate-Speech Control Bill Part of Government Agenda:
On the proposed Hate Speech Control Bill,the DCM said:
“This is part of our government’s agenda. Maintaining peace and law and order in the state is important.Hate speech cannot be tolerated.”
When asked about Congress leader B.K.Hariprasad’s call for a ban on Bajrang Dal following the involvement of its members in a murder case in Chikkamagaluru,he said:
“I am aware of our party worker’s murder.I have not seen Hariprasad’s statement.I will speak after verifying.”
On whether corruption among officials was discussed in the recent CLP meeting,Shivakumar clarified:
“Nothing that appeared in newspapers or TV channels was discussed.”
