Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated on Tuesday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming India into an economic powerhouse hinges on the unity of southern states. He emphasized that these states possess extraordinary talent and potential that can contribute significantly to the nation’s economic aspirations.
Shivakumar also announced a new tourism policy, including plans to use Karnataka’s 350-km coastline, and said programmes of his predecessors would continue.
“In power, you can either make friends or enemies. I want to make more friends and help everyone. My position should help the person even at the bottom of the society. “Ours is a continuation of Siddaramaiah’s government, but we have fresh ideas. We will carry forward Kumaraswamy’s Bidadi project and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda’s Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor Project. If there are mistakes in these projects, let us correct them. I will make every possible effort. Bureaucrats will not let it be easy and there are several pending court cases.”
His remarks came ahead of Union home minister Amit Shah’s proposed meeting of southern states in Chennai on August 20, which Shivakumar confirmed he would attend.
Speaking in the legislative assembly after the unanimous election of former minister Mankal Vaidya as deputy speaker, Shivakumar said he had briefed Modi during his recent visit to Mysuru on Karnataka’s interests, historical developments and the strength of its local talent pool. Striking a conciliatory note, Shivakumar said he wanted to work with leaders across political parties in Karnataka’s interest. In my life, I have matured through politics, court cases and criticism,” he said. Responding to BJP MLA V Sunil Kumar’s remark that members of his own party would not let him execute the plans, Shivakumar said: “I do not care to read or write history as I am interested in creating history.
“I am aware that power is never permanent. My heart is pure. I have resolved to serve the people of this state without any hatred or malice in my mind. We need criticisms from the opposition as well as advice from our own people. “Where else in India do you find such a talent pool? How should we recognize and support this talent? The world is watching Bengaluru.
Because i have always respected the roles given to me, i sit in this position today.
Let us all work together for the state’s welfare,” he said. I personally told the Prime Minister that the country should progress through Bengaluru and Karnataka. To make all this possible, let us work together,” he said.
