Bengaluru, Oct 21 (NationPress) Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, has expressed frustration over the lack of response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi concerning the allocation of funds for the city of Bengaluru.

His remarks came during the inauguration of white-topping and integrated road development initiatives in the Gandhi Nagar Assembly constituency on Tuesday.

Shivakumar mentioned, "When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited to inaugurate the Namma Metro Yellow Line, I requested Rs 1.5 lakh crore for the city's development. I pointed out that Bengaluru generates the second-highest tax revenue after Mumbai. However, there has been no feedback from him to date."

He added, "The government is planning to construct 113 km of elevated corridors within the city. In the first phase, a 40 km tunnel road is in the works. However, a certain MP, whom I refer to as an 'empty box,' merely tweets criticisms without making any contributions," subtly criticizing Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya.

"Bengaluru has elected five MPs. Nirmala Sitharaman serves as the Union Finance Minister. If any of these MPs managed to secure even Rs 10 for Karnataka, I would gladly accept any punishment from the populace," he asserted.

“During Manmohan Singh's time as Prime Minister, we received funding for various projects under the JNNURM scheme. Today's MPs haven’t submitted a single project proposal.”

“Have any of them even met with the Prime Minister to address these concerns? The contribution of BJP MPs to Karnataka stands at zero. I met with Rajya Sabha MP Lehar Singh today and urged him to communicate with the Centre regarding appropriate grants for Bengaluru — a city that significantly contributes to the nation,” he stated.

“The residents of Bengaluru are remarkable — they pay the highest taxes. However, voter turnout remains low. This trend must change in the future. The Congress government must continue to lead, as only then can genuine change occur in people's lives. We do not engage in politics based on emotions but focus on the lives of the people,” he emphasized.

“Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has introduced revolutionary reforms in Karnataka’s health sector — advancements that no other Health Minister has achieved. In the upcoming elections, he should secure victory by at least 25,000 votes. I have the right to speak for the residents of Gandhi Nagar as I have been part of this community since 1981, growing as a student leader and knowing every lane of this constituency. I have countless friends here,” he remarked.

“Since 1999, the people of Gandhi Nagar have consistently elected Dinesh Gundu Rao. However, in the last election, voters did themselves an injustice. He deserved to win by a minimum of 25,000 votes for his dedication to public service. He is shouldering a minor blemish yet is working collaboratively with the community for the constituency's progress. The residents of Gandhi Nagar are fortunate to have him as their MLA,” he noted.

“Under the guidance of Ministers Krishna Byre Gowda and Priyank Kharge, we are granting property rights to individuals residing in slums and tandas. Safeguarding people’s property is the sixth guarantee of the Congress government,” he clarified.

“Previously, only 'B' Khata documents were issued, which hindered people from obtaining loans from banks. Now, we have made a landmark decision to provide everyone with 'A' Khata. When the central government observed our efforts, they commended our officials, stating that this is exemplary work for the entire country,” he concluded.