Siddarth Sethia
*Let Us Discuss the Bidadi Township.
*Bengaluru Needs Water.
*We Will Continue the Vision of Kumaraswamy, Yediyurappa,and Bommai.
“If the Prime Minister wants to turn the country into an economic powerhouse,it is only possible if the South Indian states,including Karnataka,stand united.The talent and potential we possess is extraordinary,”said Chief Minister,D.K.Shivakumar in Legislative Assembly.
He was speaking in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday following the election of the Deputy Speaker.
“When the Prime Minister visited Mysuru,I briefed him on what needs to be done for the state’s interest.I brought past historical developments to his attention and highlighted the strength of our local talent pool,”he said.
“I am aware that power is never permanent.I sit in this position today because I have always respected the roles given to me.My heart is pure.I have resolved to serve the people of this land without any hatred or malice in my mind,”he added.
“Power should not be misused in politics.Everyone is vital to the state’s interest.We need criticisms from the Opposition as well as advice from our own people.Let us all work together for the state’s welfare.Both side’s goal is the same:public service.”
Let Us Discuss the Bidadi Township :
“You suggested discussing the Bidadi issue.That is welcome.My nature is not to cause trouble.I agreed with Kumaraswamy’s previous decision regarding the Bidadi Township.
Whatever decision the public makes in 2028,both you and I must accept it.There are plenty of issues across the country.Let us fight together as’Team Karnataka’ to resolve them,”he stated.
“Kumaraswamy planned to build five townships, including Bidadi.His thinking was not wrong.But why couldn’t it be executed?.
The Maharashtra CM acquired 80,000 acres of land.PM Modi is developing GIFT City.I asked for a similar project for us,but it was not granted.
The Andhra Pradesh CM is also building a new city.In our state,areas like Electronic City and ITPL were built on farmers’ land.
The Peripheral Ring Road also relies on farmers’ land. These are visionary projects.Tell me,what would Bengaluru’s traffic situation be today without the NICE Road? Let us take action against any flaws in the project.”
“After Rajasthan,Karnataka has the highest amount of dry land in the entire country.We must think about our farmers and help them survive.
Therefore,we are moving forward to guide farmers using modern technology.I have instructed the Agricultural University to design a 3-day tour program to introduce urban students in Bengaluru to rural life and farming,”he explained.
“When Kengal Hanumanthaiah was the Chief Minister, Bengaluru’s population was around 700,000 to 800,000.
When the Police Commissionerate was established,it was 1 million.Today,Bengaluru’s population has reached 15 million, with 14 million vehicles.Space and water must be provided for all these people.Those who come here do not go back to their hometowns.
Including myself,people who come to Bengaluru from outside fall in love with its climate,environment,and knowledge ecosystem and choose to stay.We must work together to solve all of Bengaluru’s problems.”
“To transform Karnataka into a powerful state in the country over the next 25 years,both the ruling party and the Opposition must work together in harmony.
We are working within a federal system.The Prime Minister is also thinking about Bengaluru.He told me that leaders and investors from all over the world prefer Bengaluru.
The Supreme Court is in Delhi,but why is the Law College in Bengaluru?Why was ISRO started in Bengaluru?.
Following conversations between Swami Vivekananda and Jamsetji Tata,the Maharajas of Mysuru recognized that development happens through science and provided land in Bengaluru,”he said.
“Members in our Opposition have also served in various ministerial roles in the past.Bengaluru has 2.6 million IT professionals and 200,000 foreign passport holders.
Many are running medical colleges,and 13,940 doctors are being trained here annually alongside 100,000 paramedical staff.
Where else in India do you find such a talent pool? How should we recognize and support this talent? Both you and I need to think about this.
The world is watching Bengaluru.I personally told the Prime Minister that the country should progress through Bengaluru and Karnataka.To make all this possible, let us work together,” the Chief Minister appealed to the House.
“People from the Northeast have settled in Bengaluru. In Hoskote,people from Assam have trained 10,000 young people.
We must preserve the state’s wealth.Let us keep politics outside.We must work for the future of the younger generation,”he said.
Bengaluru Needs Water:
“Providing water to Bengaluru is a challenging task,and we are working on it.Earlier,when I was the Bengaluru Development Minister,I decided against supplying water from the Water Board to areas beyond Hebbal and signed that order myself.
But today,Bengaluru has grown immensely.Our government is making efforts to solve Bengaluru’s water problems by developing around five to six lakes,such as Hesaraghatta Lake,Hoskote Lake,and Tippagondanahalli,to recharge groundwater.”
“Thank you for your support on the Cauvery issue.As I said earlier,even if an effort fails,prayer will not fail.Let us all pray together to nature,”he added.
“The talent we have is unmatched in the world.Out of every three engineers in California,two are Indian,and most of them are from Karnataka.
This is our strength, and we must protect it.We are using our state’s 350 km long coastline for tourism.Look at how Kerala and Goa have utilized their coastal areas.
We are formulating a separate tourism policy for this. Similarly, we are thinking about farmers and irrigation.”
We Will Continue the Vision of Kumaraswamy, Yediyurappa, and Bommai:
“Ours is a continuation of Siddaramaiah’s government, but we have fresh ideas.We will continue the vision of past leaders like Kumaraswamy, Yediyurappa, and Bommai without abandoning them.
We will carry forward Kumaraswamy’s Bidadi project and Deve Gowda’s NICE project.If there are mistakes in these projects,let us correct them.”
In the middle of this, when BJP MLA Sunil Kumar remarked that members of his own party would not let him execute these plans,D.K.Shivakumar replied, “Look Sunil, I do not care to read or write history; I am more interested in creating history.
I will make every possible effort.Nothing is easy. Officials will not let it be easy, and there are several pending court cases.”
“Criticize as much as you want, but let us prepare a necessary blueprint for the next 25 years. We came here to serve the people.
During the BJP’s tenure, you introduced the Sakala scheme. I am giving it a new shape and starting the ‘Praja Seve’ (Public Service) department.
Our goal is to take the government to the doorstep of people who cannot come to the Vidhana Soudha. People approach us with their problems,and we try to offer as much relief as possible.”
“The Constitution works well when it is implemented properly.I will not use my power against anyone. In power, we can make either more friends or more enemies. I prefer to make friends.
I will help as much as I can.God has given enough strength to me and my family.I am here as a representative to serve,”he said.
Criticisms Die,Works Remain:
“I carry no attachment or hatred.Many people play politics.In my life,I have matured by going through politics,court cases,and criticism.
The ultimate truth is that criticisms die,but works remain.If we go astray,the media is there to bring us back to the right path. If both you or we make a mistake, the High Court is right in front of us,” he said.
“Offer constructive solutions to all the pressing issues of the state.First-time MLAs may also have fresh ideas. I have been an MLA 8 times,and R.Ashoka has been an MLA 10 times.
We cannot claim that only we are wise.We live in a time where children teach their teachers.Let us remain aware that the world is watching Karnataka and Bengaluru,”he concluded.
