Bengaluru, Feb 5 (NationPress) In response to the BJP's criticism of the Congress-led administration regarding the Metro fare increase, Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar stated on Thursday that the matter is beyond the state government's authority and that he has yet to receive any proposals concerning this issue.

Addressing the BJP's allegations, Shivakumar challenged party leaders to bring the matter to their Union ministers, questioning their capability to do so.

To clarify whether the state or the Centre determines the Metro fare increase, he stated that this matter does not fall under the state government’s domain.

“The committee overseeing this is led by a Union government secretary. While there are four representatives from the state, the ultimate decision lies with the Centre,” he explained.

When asked about MPs Tejasvi Surya and P.C. Mohan's assertion that the state could alter committee members to influence fare regulation, Shivakumar questioned the feasibility of such changes and suggested that they first need approval to appoint a Karnataka representative as the committee chairperson.

He also pointed out that the Centre contributes merely 12–13 percent to Metro projects and that a prior agreement established that a central official would lead the committee.

When questioned about the state government's consent regarding the Metro fare increase, he reiterated that the issue is not within the state government's scope and that there have been no discussions with them.

“Since there were no discussions, it was not brought before the Cabinet or the Chief Minister,” he clarified.

Regarding the comparison of Bengaluru Metro fares with other cities, he indicated that he would evaluate the fares against those in other locations.

On the topic of a potential water tariff increase, he mentioned that there are currently no discussions regarding this matter.

Concerning ward reservation for the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) elections, he stated that this process will be managed by the appropriate committee and is not under his jurisdiction.

In response to inquiries about comments from MLAs and Satish Jarkiholi regarding the need for the high command to address power-sharing concerns swiftly, he refrained from commenting, emphasizing that it is not the right time for political discussions.

Regarding rumors of MLAs being sent abroad or to Goa, he claimed to be unaware of any such plans and confirmed he had not participated in any related discussions.

When asked about his upcoming travel to Delhi, he mentioned plans to visit Mangaluru on Friday, followed by Raichur and then Gadag, stating that official travel details would be released by the secretariat.

On whether he anticipates being summoned to Delhi, as hinted by some high command leaders, he assured that he would inform the media when the time arises.

Concerning the Upper Krishna Project, he indicated that the Cabinet has already made a decision, and all projects he has initiated will reach completion within the next two-and-a-half years.

He asserted that he does not make hollow promises, citing that significant decisions have been made for Karnataka and Bengaluru, with noticeable changes expected in the upcoming two to three years.

Regarding a possible Cabinet reshuffle, he stated that this question should be directed to the Chief Minister.

He added, “We aim to finalize the first phase of the Bengaluru Business Corridor project within the next eighteen months.”

On the absence of central budgetary support for tunnel roads and Bengaluru, he remarked that the Centre has not extended any assistance.

“Tunnel road projects are structured on a build-operate model, with the government covering only 40 percent of costs, placing the risk on project developers,” he noted.

Shivakumar also mentioned that on Thursday, he met with Martin Petersen, the Deputy Head of Mission from Denmark, and the High Commissioner of South Africa, both of whom expressed interest in establishing industries in Karnataka and Bengaluru.

They showed enthusiasm for investing in education, technology, innovation, and tourism sectors and sought to strengthen bilateral ties.

He assured them of the state government's full support, emphasizing that Bengaluru is one of the only two cities in India, alongside Delhi, where Denmark maintains an office.