Government to protect State’s assets: Stresses DCM

Why haven’t our Union Ministers spoken about it?

Bengaluru Express

Bengaluru, May 28: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said on Tuesday that the government would do whatever it takes to protect state’s assets.

Speaking to reporters at the KPCC office, he said, “HAL has not been given by any BJP government. Nehru set it up in Bengaluru due to its technical manpower. I am not going to interfere in Chandrababu Naidu’s political request to the Centre. We have also given sufficient land to HAL and we have also provided land to set up a helicopter unit in Tumakuru. They are free to set up anything new in Andhra Pradesh, we are not going to object to it. But our government will do whatever it takes to protect our state’s assets.”

“What are our MPs representing Karnataka doing? The Union Ministers have not spoken a word about moving HAL to Andhra Pradesh. I would expect them to speak up for the state,” he urged.

Thinking of appointing Anil Kumble as ambassador for Forest dept
Asked about selecting actress Tamanna Bhatia as a model for Mysore Sandal soap, he said, “I will speak to CM and Industries Minister regarding this. A similar discussion took place with regards to bulbs in the past and we had appointed Puneet and Ramya for it. We are also discussing making Anil Kumble as an ambassador for Forest department.”

Let BJP keep its gems to itself
Asked about expulsion of S T Somashekar and Shivaram Hebbar, he said, “It is an internal matter of the BJP. Neither Somashekar nor Hebbar have molested anyone in Vidhana Soudha. They haven’t even conspired to inject AIDS virus to Opposition leaders. The BJP hasn’t taken any action on those who tried to trap Yediyurappa. I thought their party would take action against those who have committed heinous crimes such as rape. Is this the BJP culture? Let them keep their gems to themselves.”

Kalaburagi DC
Asked about BJP MLC C Ravikumar calling Kalaburagi DC as ‘Pakistani’, he said, “The government has taken this seriously. We don’t have a choice but take action. The person he is accusing is a civil servant and is serving the nation. Our government stands by the DC. Is this the way BJP treats a female IAS officer? BJP leaders R Ashok and B Y Vijayendra must give their reaction on this incident.”
Asked about growing demand for action against Ravikumar, he said, “Many IAS officers have met me regarding this. We will evaluate this from a legal perspective.”

A new chapter in Congress
Speaking at an event to induct former MLA of Bangarapete M Narayanaswamy into Congress party, he said, “Leaders from other parties are coming forward to join the Congress party two years after the elections. Former BJP district president is also joining Congress. Over 50 leaders are quitting BJP and are joining the Congress party. This is a new chapter for Congress in the state.”

“Many BJP and JDS leaders are coming forward to join the party as they think that the Congress government under the leadership of Siddaramaiah is doing a great job of governing the state. We have instructed all the MLAs and district presidents to induct leaders who would like to join our party. I would like to invite all the new leaders to our party. We will take the old and new leaders together,” he added.

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