Should BJP Leaders Focus on Development or Stir Division?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Shivakumar emphasizes the need for development over division.
- Critical irrigation projects are being sidelined by political tensions.
- MLA meetings are crucial for governance coordination.
- Concerns over politically motivated arrests persist.
- Support for youth initiatives is being prioritized.
Bengaluru, Sep 10 (NationPress) “Inciting communal tensions, fragmenting communities, and igniting unrest is the role of BJP leaders. Their focus is not on development,” asserted Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday. He urged them to “travel to Delhi to secure the state’s rightful share of taxes, NREGA funds, and approvals for the Mekedatu and Mahadayi irrigation initiatives.”
In response to inquiries about the stone-pelting incident during Ganesh Visarjan in Maddur and the subsequent visit by BJP leaders, he mentioned, “The Chief Minister, Home Minister, and District Incharge Minister have already addressed this issue. As I was out of state, I lack detailed information regarding this incident. I will refrain from commenting without complete context.”
“What do BJP leaders do besides engaging in politics? They should focus on securing the state’s share of taxes, NREGA grants, and the approvals necessary for the Mekedatu and Mahadayi irrigation projects,” he challenged.
Regarding Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's meeting with Bengaluru city MLAs, he clarified, “This meeting was initially scheduled for Tuesday. Due to my commitment in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, I requested a postponement. The meeting ultimately took place on Wednesday evening.”
On the appointment of ministers for the newly formed municipalities under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), he remarked, “Ministers must not limit their focus to their own constituencies but should oversee the entire district. We have areas where our influence has waned, necessitating coordination and reinforcement. Therefore, ministers will be assigned responsibilities, and the party will also delegate organizational tasks.”
Concerning the arrest of Congress MLA Satish Sail, he stated, “Satish Sail’s arrest was unwarranted. Investigations in this case have been ongoing since 2010. These actions seem targeted against Congress MLAs to trouble Congress leaders.”
He added, “On behalf of Jawahar Bal Manch, approximately 24 children will be sent to a national camp in Rajasthan. I wish them all the best and will personally cover their travel costs.”
In response to Dy CM Shivakumar's assertions about BJP leaders, Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka remarked, “Congress leaders had no work for five years prior to assuming power. They will hold power for only two years in Karnataka. Let them make any statements they wish; after two years, the BJP-led government will return to power, and we will assign tasks to Congress leaders.”