High Command to Decide on Woman Minister's Induction: CM DK Shivakumar

Bengaluru: "I have brought the matter of inducting a woman minister to the attention of our party high command in Delhi. I cannot say whether the process will happen tomorrow, but they have mentioned they will call me to Delhi to discuss it. It is something that needs to be done, and we will definitely see it through," Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said.

He was speaking to reporters on Sunday near his residence in Sadashivanagar and in Bharathinagar.

Responding to a question regarding maintenance issues at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi ahead of the winter session, he said, "The Assembly Speaker will look into it and resolve any issues."

Asked whether he would follow up with the Prime Minister on the Mekedatu project after submitting a memorandum, Shivakumar said, "I have already appealed to the Central government on this. The Tamil Nadu government knows the truth, yet they continue to oppose it. That is their right, and we cannot stop them from voicing it. They have their own team of legal experts as well. As for us, we will push ahead with our work on Mekedatu."

When reporters pointed out that his cordial equation with the Prime Minister had become a sore point for BJP leaders, the Chief Minister clarified, "As the Chief Minister of a state, I must accord the office of the Prime Minister the respect it deserves, and he reciprocates the respect due to a Chief Minister. Let us compete during elections, but right now, I have told him that we should work together for the development of the people."

"We are all gearing up for the Hiriyur by-election, though we do not know when the dates will be announced. This Saturday, I will personally hold a 'Prajaseve' programme in Hiriyur to listen to the grievances of the public," he said.

Queried about a proposed hike in property guidance values, Shivakumar said, "No information regarding a revision of guidance values has been brought to my notice so far. Discussions might be underway at the departmental level. We will look into it when the file comes to me."

Addressing questions on the newly proposed anti-rowdy squad, he explained, "To curb rowdyism in Bengaluru, we are forming a dedicated 'Anti-Rowdy Squad'. We are removing rowdy elements from the purview of local police stations and bringing them directly under the Commissionerate. Often, rowdies maintain links with local police—we are aware of all this. To ensure there is no room for such nexus, the squad itself will crack down on criminal activities. Our goal is to build a fear-free Bengaluru where not even a minor untoward incident takes place."

He added that the government is working towards a drug-free Karnataka, with police officials currently conducting a large-scale crackdown across the state.

"My new house is not fully complete yet. However, since tomorrow is an auspicious day, we are holding a quiet family puja without inviting anyone. Following that, I will leave for Delhi at 12 noon to attend Sonia Gandhi's book launch," he said.

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Bharath Anjanappa

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Bharath Anjanappa is an experienced journalist specializing in Politics and Civic issues. With over a decade (2012 till date) of writing expertise, he handles or contributes towards Bengaluru sector/area. Bharath Anjanappa has completed his graduation/post-graduation from Bangalore University (with a specialization in Finance, Marketing and HR). When not immersed in writing, he can be found spending time farming. Bharath Anjanappa is an accomplished writer with a passion for writing on current political situation and Civic issues. With 12 years of experience, he has honed his craft in various genres, including entertainment, crime, education and Politics. Bharath's diverse family history and embracing cultures have enriched his writing with unique perspectives.

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