Bengaluru, Sep 30 (NationPress) In the face of sharp criticisms from Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy, Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar has expressed his willingness to participate in an open debate with the Union Minister.

Shivakumar stated, "Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy is engaging in nothing but hit-and-run politics against me. This must come to a halt. Let the media provide an appropriate platform for discussion. I am ready to debate with Kumaraswamy."

During a media interaction in Bengaluru, the Deputy Chief Minister responded to Kumaraswamy's recent comments, where he claimed that Shivakumar would soon face imprisonment over alleged misconduct linked to land transactions.

In reaction to Kumaraswamy’s statement that "The day Shivakumar goes to jail is near," Shivakumar countered, "Kumaraswamy has been fixated on sending me to jail. He has been plotting against me and, once again, has publicly stated that my incarceration is imminent. After Navratri, I will respond appropriately to him."

"Kumaraswamy has articulated his desire. May it come true for him. The conspiracy from his family against mine is nothing new. They have previously attempted to undermine my sister and brother. This must cease. He has reiterated that my imprisonment is near. I will respond to him. Let any reputable media house facilitate a debate between us. Just as there was a T-20 match in Satanur earlier, let such a debate occur."

"I had previously invited him to debate in the Assembly, but he chose to escape to Parliament. If he suggests a debate with any other leader from his party, I assert that there is no leader equivalent to me in their ranks. Therefore, let the media organize a debate between us," Shivakumar emphasized.

"I have challenged him to debate numerous times before; I am reiterating it now. It should not be mere hit-and-run remarks. Let's have an open debate on the allegations he has made against me. I will present the records I have concerning his family, and he can present the documents he claims to hold against me to the public," the Deputy Chief Minister stated.

"The authority to send someone to jail rests solely with a judge. Yet, in my case, Kumaraswamy speaks as if he were the judge himself. He is acting judicially while he himself is running to court," he remarked.

When asked about Kumaraswamy's suggestion for the state government to foster trust with the Centre to secure more compensatory aid, including flood relief, Shivakumar responded, "Kumaraswamy is a Union Minister. We are prepared to send a state delegation under his leadership to meet with the Central government and the Prime Minister."

"He has claimed he will establish industries in Mandya, Ramanagara, and other areas in the state to create jobs. He has requested our cooperation. Wherever he intends to set up industries, our government is ready to extend full support. Even if, as his son mentioned, they aim to develop industries on their own land, we will grant approval," he added.

On the accusation that the Bidadi township project was being conducted for real estate benefits, Shivakumar responded, "I do not require a lecture on real estate from him. I am from Bengaluru, and my properties are in the Bengaluru district itself. I have not arrived from outside to acquire land here."

Regarding the allegation that Brahmin lands were plundered, he stated, "Let Kumaraswamy file an official complaint and have it investigated. I have not stooped to such levels of poverty."

When questioned about claims that the state government was inadequately addressing flood-affected regions, Shivakumar replied, "All concerned Ministers have visited, and the Chief Minister himself has conducted inspections."

On whether a decision had been made to impose congestion fees in Bengaluru, the Deputy Chief Minister stated, "All of that is false. Some industrialists have proposed measures for the welfare of Bengaluru residents. Those who care about Bengaluru sometimes offer suggestions, and we will consider them. This must be a proposal presented to the BJP government at the Centre; we have received no such proposal."

When asked about insufficient road work near his official residence that needed repair, Shivakumar retorted, "All works in BJP MLAs' constituencies are of poor quality."

"Greetings of the Dusshera festival to the people of Karnataka. The state has experienced ample rain, and crops are thriving. On behalf of the government and the party, I extend my good wishes to all. We prayed to Goddess Chamundeshwari to inaugurate the Dusshera celebrations. This year, the festival will be observed for 11 days. Goddess Durga alleviates sorrows. We are adorning the goddess with various decorations and celebrating the festival. On Tuesday, Ayudha Puja was conducted at the party office and at Vidhana Soudha," the Deputy Chief Minister stated.

"On the sudden passing of Assam's Zubeen Garg, a renowned music composer and singer in 40 languages, and an artist capable of playing 12 instruments, I pray for peace for his soul on behalf of the party. Following the party's directives, I will attend his condolence meeting on Wednesday. A remarkable artist who achieved so much at a young age has departed. We will pay him due respect," he concluded.