Bengaluru, Dec 30 (NationPress) Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday emphasized that his comments were aimed at the Chief Minister of Kerala and the Kerala government’s interference in the governance of Karnataka, rather than its residents.

He accused BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar of distorting his words to mislead the public.

While addressing the media at the Vidhana Soudha on Tuesday, Shivakumar stated, “I merely pointed out that the Kerala Chief Minister and the Kerala government should refrain from meddling in Karnataka’s administrative matters. My comments were not about the people of Kerala. Rajeev Chandrasekhar is misrepresenting my remarks and misleading the public.”

In response to questions regarding Chandrasekhar’s statements, he remarked, “I maintain a positive relationship with the people of Kerala. They have shown great warmth towards me, and I respect them immensely. I plan to campaign in Kerala during the elections, and I believe our government will succeed there. The BJP is attempting to sow confusion, and they should refrain from engaging in such negative politics. Our party leaders offer us guidance, which we accept.”

On the topic of a meeting conducted at Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar mentioned that board meetings for Karnataka Neeravari Nigam and Krishna Bhagya Jala Nigam were convened on Tuesday. “We are undertaking projects worth approximately Rs 5,000 crore in these corporations. In the Krishna Bhagya Jala Nigam, we are prioritizing land acquisition for the Upper Krishna Project, which will require funding of around Rs 70,000 crore. Additional projects will follow in the subsequent phase,” he explained.

When questioned about his aspirations for the New Year 2026, Shivakumar stated, “Our objective is to ensure the happiness of all citizens and deliver excellent governance to the state. Similar to this year’s favorable rainfall, we hope for abundant rains next year to fill tanks and reservoirs, enhancing the lives of farmers. Our guarantee schemes will persist and empower the populace. Local body elections will also be conducted next year.”

In response to whether good governance would prevail under his leadership in 2026, he asserted, “The Congress government will continue to uphold good governance. This administration is set to last for the next seven-and-a-half years.”

When asked about MLA Iqbal Hussain’s statement indicating he would become CM on January 6 or 9, Shivakumar replied, “Please do not give significance to his comments.”

Inquiring whether one could anticipate his leadership in 2026, he said, “I will address that in 2026.”

It is noteworthy that the demolition controversy gained momentum after Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan accused the Karnataka government of employing a “bulldozer model,” akin to that of Uttar Pradesh, to evict Muslims from certain areas in Bengaluru.

Reacting strongly, Shivakumar urged the Kerala Chief Minister to abstain from interfering in Karnataka’s internal matters and dismissed the allegations as politically motivated.

“Without understanding the facts, Mr. Pinarayi should refrain from meddling in our state’s affairs. These are merely political maneuvers ahead of elections,” Shivakumar stated.

Later, the AICC expressed objections to the Congress-led Karnataka government’s demolition efforts against unauthorized constructions in Bengaluru, indicating that such actions should have been executed with greater caution and sensitivity.

AICC General Secretary and Congress Lok Sabha member K.C. Venugopal made these remarks following discussions with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.