Bengaluru, June 2 (NationPress) Extending heartfelt wishes to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for their remarkable achievement of reaching the IPL 2025 finals, Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar expressed on Monday that both the state government and the local populace are eagerly anticipating their triumph.

While speaking to reporters at the Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar stated: "I am thrilled that the Bengaluru team is competing in the finals of the IPL 2025 tournament in Ahmedabad. The boys from Bengaluru, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, are poised for victory. After a significant hiatus, they have made it to the finals and have truly given their best effort."

"On behalf of the Karnataka government and its citizens, we are all eagerly awaiting their success. I've learned that many people from Karnataka are traveling to Ahmedabad to support them."

"I sincerely wish them success. Let's hope and pray for their achievement," Shivakumar added.

The RCB squad is set to face off against the Punjab Kings in the finals on Tuesday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Regarding the controversy surrounding actor Kamal Haasan's remarks on the origins of the Kannada language, Shivakumar remarked: "I prefer not to comment on this matter. I need to review my records before I speak on the history involved."

"I don't intend to turn this into a political matter. As neighbors, we must collaborate and coexist peacefully. Our water flows to Tamil Nadu, and people from Tamil Nadu visit us here," he continued.

"We are not adversaries; we are allies. I urge everyone to remain calm and patient - nothing in life is permanent," Shivakumar advised.

Addressing the controversy regarding the Hemavathi Express Canal Link, Shivakumar stated: "The BJP is politicizing this issue. The project was approved during the tenure of the BJP government led by former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa."

"I am not redirecting water to Ramanagara. A few TMCs of water are being allocated to the Magadi region, which is also part of the Cauvery basin. This has long been part of an agreement," he clarified.

When questioned about Congress leaders being appointed to guarantee committees, Shivakumar commented: "Aren't Governors also linked to political parties? Look at the Chairpersons of various commissions and statutory bodies - numerous appointments have been made by them, and we have followed suit."

"There is no delay in funding for the guarantees. Everything that we committed has been budgeted and is being delivered. They are simply envious. Our initiatives are being replicated throughout the country," Shivakumar asserted.

"We are disbursing funds based on revenue collections. There is a budget allocation, and we will provide funds accordingly," he concluded.