D. K. Shivakumar Refutes Delhi Exit Poll Estimates, Urges Patience for Results
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Synopsis
Bengaluru, Feb 6 (NationPress) Karnataka Congress President and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar dismissed the Delhi Exit poll predictions, expressing skepticism about their accuracy and urging to await the voters' final decision.
Key Takeaways
- D. K. Shivakumar questions the credibility of exit polls.
- He emphasizes the importance of waiting for actual election results.
- Discussions are ongoing regarding the second international airport in Bengaluru.
- Shivakumar highlights the need for feasibility studies regarding airport locations.
- He criticizes H.D. Kumaraswamy for failing to advance the second airport project.
Bengaluru, Feb 6 (NationPress) Karnataka Congress President and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar on Thursday refuted the predictions from the Delhi Exit polls, expressing that he lacks confidence in such assessments.
While addressing the press in Bengaluru, Shivakumar commented on the exit polls by stating, "I do not trust any exit poll outcomes. I have no belief in them. Let's await the ultimate choice of the voters."
The exit polls have forecasted a victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Delhi Assembly elections.
When inquired about the Ordinance aimed at preventing purported harassment by certain microfinancing institutions (MFIs), Shivakumar mentioned, "The Ordinance is being forwarded to the Governor. The Chief Minister has deliberated on it, and once sent, it will be finalized."
On the topic of finalizing a site for the second international airport in the Bengaluru metropolitan area, Shivakumar remarked, "We are prepared to construct a second airport, but we cannot independently determine its location. Potential sites include Bidadi, Nelamangala, Solur, or Tumakuru."
Bidadi is situated 32 km from Bengaluru. Nelamangala is 29 km away, while Solur lies 47 km from the city.
"The conclusive choice will be made by the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and the authorities of the Bengaluru International Airport. Feasibility studies for various sites are currently in progress. Minister for Large and Medium Industries, M.B. Patil, who also oversees the Infrastructure portfolio, is managing this matter," he added.
"Minister Patil will consult with me and the Chief Minister initially. Following discussions, the matter will be brought to the cabinet, and a final decision will be made with the sanction of the Central authorities in New Delhi," Shivakumar elaborated.
"While I may personally desire the airport to be established in my hometown, the process does not operate that way. Various conditions must be satisfied—such as the absence of mountains, the existence of a flying zone, and the availability of 4,600 acres of land," he clarified.
"During the construction of the current Bengaluru International Airport, I was serving as the Urban Development Minister. There are stringent technical criteria for airport locations, and the ultimate decision will rely on those technical factors," he stressed.
In a critique of Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, Shivakumar stated, "He failed to carry out the second airport project. First, he should secure the approval of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Mekedatu project. He previously asserted he would obtain the Prime Minister's signature within a day after he took office. Let him fulfill that promise first," he concluded.
