Bengaluru, Dec 13 (NationPress) In a bold response to a flat owner's warning, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar declared on Saturday that he holds no fear of Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Union Home Minister Amit Shah, emphasizing that he has faced imprisonment in the past.

This fiery remark from the Deputy Chief Minister followed a warning from a flat owner highlighting that apartment owners constitute a significant group and could sway voters in the forthcoming Bengaluru civic elections if their concerns are overlooked.

Shivakumar, who also serves as the Bengaluru Development Minister, made these comments during a meeting with apartment owners and residents at the Banquet Hall in Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru, on Saturday. “We are here for you, and that is why we are calling you here and seeking your feedback,” he stated.

He pointed out that one Kiran Hebbar had sent an intimidating letter asserting that apartment owners could influence the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) elections if the government continues to ignore them. “We are not scared of threats,” he asserted, referencing the claim that they represent a large voter base capable of impacting 1.3 crore voters in Bengaluru.

Shivakumar revealed that the letter from the flat owner warned of potential voter influence in the GBA elections if their requests remain unaddressed. “I am someone who has gone to jail without fearing the Prime Minister or the Union Home Minister of this country. Do you think I will be afraid of someone called Hebbar? There is no question of fearing or bowing down to anyone,” Shivakumar said firmly.

He reiterated that the government is dedicated to serving the people. “I did not need to call you and seek your opinion. We have invited you because we trust you,” he added.

Shivakumar noted that the government has provided up to 200 units of free power to apartments. He criticized the Prime Minister for claiming that the guarantee scheme could not be implemented, asserting that the BJP is now imitating Congress schemes in other states. “We have also introduced an installment scheme for obtaining water connections to apartments,” he said.

He mentioned that the state government is working on the Karnataka Apartment Bill 2025 to safeguard the interests of apartment owners and residents. “We are working for the welfare of the people and seeking their support in the upcoming GBA elections,” he stated.

Shivakumar expressed his commitment to Bengaluru's development, stating, “We have taken up many projects that will transform the city. Two tunnel roads, a 130 km Bengaluru Business Corridor, and other projects are in the pipeline. PM Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari have encouraged us to move forward with these plans.”

He also highlighted the introduction of 'Nambike Nakshe' to simplify the process of obtaining sanction plans for sites up to 50x80 square feet. “We have introduced premium Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and e-khata as well. We can’t do magic in a day; it requires consistent perseverance, commitment, and patience,” he concluded.

Shivakumar acknowledged that Bengaluru has expanded significantly, leading to the establishment of the GBA for improved governance. “19 percent of Bengaluru residents are apartment dwellers. No government has attempted to amend the Apartment Bill since its introduction in 1972. Our government is endeavoring to change that,” he remarked.

Reflecting on his electoral efforts, he noted, “During elections, I visited 100 apartments to seek support, but we were not welcomed. We intervened to assist Bengaluru when 6,000 borewells had dried up in the city.”

Shivakumar shared a personal anecdote about his brother (former Congress MP D.K. Suresh) losing 1 lakh votes in one constituency during a parliamentary election, which left him disheartened. “I have invited you to share your suggestions and feedback for the Apartment Bill. We aim to incorporate your input into the Bill before it is presented. We will also discuss this with MLAs,” he concluded.