Bengaluru, Oct 25 (NationPress) Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar addressed the BJP's declaration to abolish the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) if they regain power, asserting that it is not in their destiny to do so.

During a media interaction on Saturday at Bharat Nagar Gandhi Park in Herohalli, Yeshwanthpur constituency, Bengaluru, he stated: “If they come to power, they may proceed as they wish. However, it is not destined for them to come to power and dismantle the GBA. This authority will persist. If they oppose the GBA, they should boycott the upcoming municipal elections. Let’s observe if they withdraw from contesting. Their members are actively preparing to participate.”

In response to Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya's criticism of the tunnel road project, Shivakumar remarked: “Anyone can express opposition — I will not be swayed. He has approached the court. His aim seems to be to prevent the government from gaining positive recognition through beneficial initiatives. I am not acquiring any land for this endeavor.

“Only a minor portion of land is necessary for the tunnel project; I will assess the situation, and if there are concerns, we will devise alternative solutions. Lalbagh will remain unaffected. We will temporarily utilize a small section during construction and restore it post-project.”

When reminded that Surya labeled Lalbagh as a heritage site, Shivakumar replied: “The tunnel road will be constructed underground — not above ground. We cannot halt the project based solely on his statements. If that were the case, why are they constructing tunnel roads in Mumbai and Delhi?”

“I will not yield to his remarks. Those wishing to protest are welcome to do so. Criticism will fade; commendable work will endure. We are committed to serving the people. What beneficial contributions did they make to Bengaluru during their tenure? Tejasvi Surya is an empty vessel,” Shivakumar asserted.

When questioned if the tunnel road primarily benefits the affluent, he responded: “Indeed, it is designed for those who will pay tolls to utilize it. If they oppose this initiative, they should propose a solution to alleviate Bengaluru’s traffic congestion. As the city’s MP, has he ever secured even Rs 10 in special funding for the city’s development from the Prime Minister?”

“During their governance, what measures did they implement to ease traffic congestion? Why didn’t they even initiate tenders for garbage collection? Why didn’t they expand roads or construct flyovers? They failed to assist Bengaluru,” he questioned.

“One can still observe dangling cable wires throughout the city — why didn’t they (BJP) address this? They allied with mafias and devastated Bengaluru. That’s why the populace supported our party and elected 140 MLAs to power. We will persist in our dedicated efforts. Bengaluru is a global city, and we will do whatever is necessary to safeguard it,” Shivakumar concluded.