Page 3 - D K Shivakumar

Will follow party's direction: Shivakumar rules out political turn with CM

Seeking to downplay the power tussle within the Congress, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday said the people of the state have blessed the ruling party for five years and that he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will continue functioning as per the directions of the high command. With supporters hailing him as the 'next Chief Minister' on his arrival here, Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress President, said he does not need anyone's support and will abide by what the party tells him. "No one should worry; there is no need for any political turn. People have blessed us and given us an opportunity, and we will continue for five years. All the talks going on are without any value. The Chief Minister and I will continue functioning as per the directions of the party," Shivakumar told reporters in response to a question. Asked about workers or supporters demanding that he should be the next CM, Shivakumar said, "I don't want anyone to demand anything from me

ED raids in BBMP an outcome of squabbling in BJP: Deputy CM Shivakumar

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday said the ED raids in the 'Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike' was an outcome of infighting in the BJP. The ED on Tuesday searched the offices of Engineer-in-Chief B S Prahlad and other engineers in the BBMP in connection with the borewells and Reverse Osmosis plants in the areas where Cauvery water connection has not been provided, sources in civic agency said. The raids were based on a complaint by a BJP leader and former BBMP Councillor N R Ramesh to the Anti-Corruption Bureau. The ACB later referred the case to the ED. "It's an internal fight in the BJP. A BJP leader had given a complaint against his own party MLAs because he was denied a ticket (to contest assembly election)," Shivakumar told reporters here. He said he had instructed the BBMP officials about one and a half years ago to be prepared for the possible raids and provide whatever documents the ED officials would ask for. "We will cooperate with them. There

'Pyari Didi' scheme in Delhi on lines of Gruhalakshmi: DK Shivakumar

Shivakumar said that the Gruhalakshmi scheme has brought a significant socio-economic change in poor and middle-class families

After AAP, Congress announces monthly Rs 2,500 aid for Delhi women voters

Congress' DK Shivakumar announced that under the 'Pyari Didi Yojana,' the party will provide Rs 2,500 to women voters if it wins the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections

Shivakumar seeks research centre at Bangalore University for Manmohan Singh

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday wrote to the state's Higher Education Minister, M C Sudhakar, requesting necessary steps to establish a research centre at Bangalore University in honour of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The centre would focus on studying, researching, and documenting Singh's programmes and policies. Manmohan Singh, widely regarded as the architect of India's economic reforms, passed away in New Delhi on Thursday night at the age of 92. "Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was one of the world's greatest economists. The globalisation, liberalisation, economic policies, and governance discipline introduced during his tenure made India economically strong," Shivakumar stated, in a note addressed to Sudhakar and the Vice-Chancellor of Bangalore University. Highlighting transformative initiatives like the Right to Information Act (RTI), Right to Education Act (RTE), Food Security Act, and the Aadhaar Card (Unique Identity Card scheme), .

BJP diverting public attention with CT Ravi ill-treatment claim: Shivakumar

By claiming ill-treatment of party leader and MLC CT Ravi by police post his arrest, the BJP was attempting to deviate public attention from the original issue of him allegedly using derogatory language against a woman minister, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar alleged on Saturday. Highlighting that conscience was important, he hit out at the BJP leadership in the state for supporting Ravi, who was arrested for making a derogatory comment against state minister Laxmi Hebbalkar. "...ask them (BJP) if what he (Ravi) said was right or not. Let's discuss other things later. This shows the culture of their party and leader...what happened in the court is left to him (Ravi) and the police and the crime he committed. The main issue is his language and his culture," Shivakumar told reporters here in response to a question on the High Court ordering Ravi's release on Friday. Alleging that Ravi has used derogatory language against several people in the past, the deputy CM said h

BJP not discussing issues during legislature session: D K Shivakumar

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday hit out at the opposition BJP, accusing it of indulging in "politics" and not showing any interest in discussing issues concerning the state and its people, during the ongoing winter session of legislature in Belagavi. He claimed that the saffron party in the state was a divided house, and hence they were not interested on discussing real issues. "BJP is not interested in any discussion, what to do?....they are not interested in anything else other than doing politics. There is no unity among them, so they are doing such things," Shivakumar told reporters here in response to a question about issues relating to north Karnataka not being discussed in the legislature session so far. The session that began on December 9 will continue during the coming week too. Belagavi, bordering Maharashtra, has been hosting legislature sessions once a year since 2006. Suvarna Vidhana Soudha, modeled on the Vidhana Soudha, the state ...

No power-sharing pact in Karnataka, no one should talk about it: Shivakumar

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivkumar on Saturday said that no one in the party should talk about any power-sharing "agreement or formula" involving him and CM Siddaramaiah, as he clarified that there was no such a thing. He, however, said that they were working with some "political understanding". This statement from Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress chief, came days after Siddaramaiah rejected his claim that they have a power-sharing pact. "No one should talk about any oppanda (agreement). There is no formula (power-sharing formula) or anything. We are both working with some political understanding. I have never spoken about any formula, there is nothing. What I told the national channel is we have come to some understanding. "The CM has been entrusted with some responsibility and I'm entrusted with some. I'm functioning accordingly," Shivakumar said. Speaking to reporters here, he said, "There is no need or there is no situation for anyone to speak about any ..

Delhi HC to hear DK Shivakumar's plea against money laundering probe in Jan

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday posted on January 23 a plea by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar against a money laundering probe by the Enforcement Directorate. A bench comprising Justices Prathiba M Singh and Amit Sharma deferred the matter saying it was not possible for it to commence the hearing on Tuesday. "Counsel appearing for the parties say the matter will take some time. Owing to the part-heard matters already listed in court, it would not be possible to commence hearing. List on January 23," said the bench. Shivakumar moved the high court in 2022 seeking quashing of the investigation, including summons issued to him in the ECIR (complaint) registered by the agency in 2020 following an alleged disproportionate assets case. The senior counsel appearing for the petitioner said their arguments would take "half-a-day" as important issues were involved. In his petition, Shivakumar challenged the money laundering probe against him on several grounds, including the

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah meets PM Modi, seeks clearances for two projects

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting rectification in short term farm loan limit, Rs 10,000 cr in financial support and urgent clearances for the Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir and Kalasa Bandhuri projects. In the meeting in Parliament complex, Siddarmaiah pressed for several key interventions focusing on critical areas, including agriculture, water resources and urban infrastructure. Deputy Chief Minister and Irrigation Minister D K Shivakumar, Energy Minister K J George and Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh accompanied the CM for the meeting. The chief minister highlighted that NABARD has drastically cut the Short Term Agricultural Credit Limit for Karnataka from Rs 5,600 crore in 2023-24 to just Rs 2,340 crore in 2024-25, a 58 per cent reduction that could severely impact farmers' access to soft loans. "I request you to look into this and direct the Finance Ministry to rectify this situation so that farmers in Karnata

INDIA bloc happy: Shivakumar as he reaches Ranchi for Soren's swearing-in

Shivakumar praised Soren's administration, saying he has worked hard and gained the trust of the people

Karnataka Assembly bypolls win: Shivakumar gives credit to CM Siddaramaiah

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday gave credit to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's leadership as well as the five guarantees for the Congress party's success in the assembly bypolls. Shivakumar said this victory was a prelude to the 2028 assembly election where the party would once again win. The Congress won the Channapatna, Shiggaon and Sandur Assembly segments. The by-elections were held on November 13 and the results were announced today. The ruling Congress on Saturday retained its strong hold of Sandur, with its candidate E Annapoorna, winning the seat by defeating BJP's ST Morcha president Bangaru Hanumanthu. In the Channapatna segment, Congress' C P Yogeeshwara won the "high profile" seat by defeating JD(S) candidate and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy's son Nikhil Kumaraswamy. Similarly, Congress' Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan won the Shiggaon Assembly segment by defeating former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai's son Bharath Bommai. "Our guarantees, ...

Centre must arrest Adani to save India's reputation, says DK Shivakumar

There is no point in protecting Adani, government has to protect the people of the country who have invested thousands of crores in Adani's companies, he urged

Kumaraswamy sheds tears during polls, vanishes when people cry: Shivakumar

Speaking to reporters at Mangaluru airport, he questioned, 'Tears well up in Kumaraswamy's eyes only during elections, where was he when the people of Kanakapura were in pain and tears?'

K'taka dy CM counters PM's criticism, highlights state's 10.2% GDP growth

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for criticising Congress over poll promises, citing data from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. He said that the state's GDP growth for 2023-24 is 10.2 per cent, surpassing the national average of 8.2 per cent. In a post on 'X', Modi on Friday said that in Karnataka, Congress is more focused on intra-party politics and loot than delivering on development, even planning to roll back existing schemes. Sharing Modi's post, Shivakumar responded, citing MoSPI data: "Karnataka's GSDP growth for 2023-24 is 10.2 per cent, surpassing the national average of 8.2 per cent." "These are facts, backed by figures, supported by credible sources. The question is: do these facts even reach the Union government, or do they miss those who formulate tweets for the highest offices at the Centre?" he posted on 'X'. Meanwhile, Information Technology Minister Priyank Kharge also ..

Kharge pulls up K'taka Deputy CM Shivakumar over remark on 'Shakti' scheme

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday pulled up Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister over his statement that the state government would review the 'Shakti' guarantee. The Congress government here has introduced Shakti, one of the five guarantees offering free ride for women in the non-luxury government buses. Shivakumar said on Wednesday that the government would revisit the Shakti scheme as some women have expressed their wish to pay for travelling in the government buses. In a humorous but subtle manner, Kharge pulled up the DCM before media for his statement. "You have given some guarantees. After seeing them, I too said in Maharashtra that there are five guarantees in Karnataka. Now you (Shivakumar) said you will drop one guarantee," Kharge quipped. Quickly Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, who were sitting next to him chuckled and rejected Kharge's statement. Siddaramaiah said the Deputy CM has only said the government would review it. In reply, Kharge said

No proposal to revisit 'Shakti' free bus travel scheme: CM Siddaramaiah

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday said there is no proposal before the government to revisit the 'Shakti' scheme, which provides free bus travel for all women domiciled in the state. Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar had on Wednesday indicated about revisiting the Shakti scheme. "There is no such proposal before the government, he (Shivakumar) only said what some women are saying. I don't know, I was not there. I will speak...." Siddaramaiah said in response to a question regarding the Deputy CM's statement. Speaking to reporters here, he said, "there is no situation for revisiting it at the government level. There is no such intention, there is no such proposal." Noting that many women had tweeted and emailed him about their willingness to pay for travel, and that they don't want free ride, Shivakumar, addressing an event, had said: "let's see, we will all sit and discuss it. They are a section (of women), they may be 5-10 per cent. Let's see, some have honestly

By-polls: K'taka Cong to send candidates' list to high command in 2-3 days

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday said the ruling Congress will send a final report on probable candidates for the November 13 by-polls for three Assembly seats in the state to the party high command in two-three days. The preparations for the by-polls will formally begin on Thursday, Shivakumar, who is also Congress state president, said. "We will do our job. Today we have some programme. Let it get over. From tomorrow, we will take it up (poll preparations). We have already held our local meetings. In two-three days we will send a final report on candidates (to the Congress high command)," he said in response to a question. Speaking to reporters here, he said that he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will hold discussions on the by-polls and candidates on Wednesday. Noting that Congress general secretary (Organisation) K C Venugopal, who heads the Parliaments' Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is visiting the city to attend a PAC related meeting, Shivakumar

Our govt will manage Bengaluru rain situation, says Deputy CM Shivakumar

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday advised people to take necessary precautions following incessant rains in the city, as he declared the government's preparedness to deal with the situation. He said the government has the "strength" to manage the situation and "set right" the issues that have cropped up due to the rains. "I appeal to citizens to take necessary precautions in the wake of the rains. There might be some traffic issues today," Shivakumar, who is also the Minister in-charge of Bengaluru Development, said. He said he wouldd review the situation in the evening with the police, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), fire department and other concerned officials. Incessant rain on Tuesday threw normal life out of gear in central and southern parts of Karnataka, including the state capital Bengaluru, where several localities witnessed water-logging and traffic congestion. Hitting out at the opposition parties for criticising the government over

Injustice to K'taka in tax devolution, we will fight it out: DK Shivakumar

Alleging that the Centre has done injustice by allocating less funds to Karnataka in the tax devolution, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday said that the Congress government in the state would fight it out. Shivakumar, also the state Congress chief, attacked BJP MPs and union ministers from the state for remaining silent on the issue and termed it "shameful." "Injustice has happened to Karnataka. They have given more to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. We were given less than even Andhra Pradesh, which doesn't contribute much in tax. We will fight and protest this in the days ahead," Shivakumar said. Speaking to reporters here, he said, "We will formulate a programme to fight for - our tax, our right". "Why have BJP MPs and Central ministers not raise their voices? Despite having five Central ministers from the state, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, they remain silent even though injustice is happening to the state. This is shameful," he said. When pointed to