Bengaluru, Nov 4 (NationPress) The Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, D.K. Shivakumar, has made a heartfelt request to private businesses and organizations in Bengaluru and throughout Karnataka to offer three days of paid leave for employees from Bihar, enabling them to participate in their state's Assembly elections.

In a formal announcement issued on Tuesday, Dy CM Shivakumar stated, “The elections for the Bihar State Assembly are set to take place on November 6 and November 11. A significant number of individuals from Bihar are employed in Bengaluru and across Karnataka. In light of this, I strongly urge all companies, industrialists, hotel owners, contractors, builders, shops, and various establishments to grant at least three days of paid leave to help voters from Bihar engage in the electoral process.”

“I kindly request them to facilitate paid leave, allowing Bihar voters to actively participate in our democratic process,” Shivakumar appealed.

Previously, while addressing a Bihari community gathering in Bengaluru last Sunday, Shivakumar expressed, “I encourage all my brothers and sisters from Bihar to back the Mahagathbandhan—to elect Tejashwi Yadav as the next Chief Minister of Bihar and Rahul Gandhi as the next Prime Minister of India. Let us unite for progress, justice, and a more robust India.”

In his address to members of the Bihar Association, Shivakumar mentioned, “You have all suggested that I deserve a more significant role. However, that is not my priority; I would find greater joy if you vote for the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar. Nitish Kumar’s political career is nearing its end, and Tejashwi Yadav has been named the CM candidate for Bihar.” It is worth noting that members of the Bihar Association expressed their hopes for Shivakumar to become the next Chief Minister of Karnataka.

Shivakumar further remarked, “Numerous voters have been removed from the electoral list in Bihar. We are striving to safeguard your voting rights. I urge all of you to return to Bihar and vote for the Mahagathbandhan. We will instruct CREDAI, contractors, and other organizations to announce a three-day holiday so that you can travel to Bihar and cast your votes,” he added.

Assuring a location for the Karnataka Bihar Association, Shivakumar stated, “Bengaluru would not be what it is today without your contributions. You are industrious and dedicated individuals. We have resolved to allocate land for the Bihar Association in Karnataka. We have never treated you as outsiders. During the COVID pandemic, when transportation costs surged, we arranged for your safe return home.”