I have come to Channapatna because the seat is vacant: DCM

Channapatna, July 3: Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday answered his critics by saying he was visiting Channapatna frequently as there was no MLA in the constituency to administer.

Speaking at a ‘Government at your doorstep’ programme in Byarapatna near here, he said, “Why would I come to Channapatna if there was an MLA here. I am coming here because the seat is empty. Some people are saying that I am coming to Channapatna because there are elections. I am coming here because we are attending to people’s needs.”

Government at your doorstep across the state
Asked if ‘Government at your doorstep’ programme was working, he said, “It is definitely working This programme is a response to criticisms that leaders don’t lend their ears to the people. The Chief Minister had instructed all ministers to conduct Janaspandana programmes, I am doing it in the form of ‘Government at your doorstep’. This programme will take across the State as it will reduce pressure on the administration in Bengaluru.”

Asked about prominence given to housing, he said, “Housing is one of the basic necessities. After July 8, I will be visiting lands identified by Housing department officials. I have spoken to Housing minister Zameer and Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda regarding this, they will also visit the sites.”

Asked if special grants would be given to all constituencies, he said grants are given to all three constituencies which are going for by-polls. The BJP and JDS did the same in the past.

Asked about the surprise candidate, he said, “Whoever is the candidate, the vote is for me.”

Asked if any alliance candidates who are not sure of getting tickets have approached him, he said no one had approached him.

MUDA site for CM’s wife
Asked about allegations of Rs 4000 crore scam in MUDA including allotment of MUDA site to CM’s wife, he said, “Why will CM’s wife be involved in this? MUDA has given an alternative site to her as she lost her property for a layout.”

Replying to R Ashoka’s allegations, he said, “The site has been issued during their rule only. We have to be happy that she has got an alternative site instead of denotification. How can this be a scam?”

CM is acting tough on corruption
Asked about Minister Byrathi Suresh transferring four officials, he said, “The Chief minister is very strict about corruption. He is of the opinion that corrupt officials need to be punished.”

Asked about Valmiki corporation irregularities, he said, “Nagendra doesn’t have any role in this. I have enquired in Hyderabad too, there is no involvement of our minister. Someone else is involved in this. Nagendra will be investigated if need be.”

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