cong-s-dk-shivakumar-sheds-light-on-bengaluru-s-water-crisis

When not even 10 days are left for the general elections of 2024, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar spoke about the Centre-State tussle over drought-relief funds. 

 

A talk session that started with issues ailing the state got stretched onto the hot-topics related to the ensuing Lok Sabha polls. 

 

From water scarcity to probe agencies targeting opposition leaders to electoral bonds, all was discussed by the deputy chief minister.  

 

 

Q: You have been campaigning in this heat. What kind of toll has it taken on you?

 

A: The weather is too hot. It gets unbearable at times. However, people of Karnataka must have faith in the guarantees provided by the Congress. Just like other aspects of one’s living, we are working towards solving the drought situation too. It is the people who will have to step up to change the government at the Centre. Acute water shortage and sweltering heat have made matters worse for the people of Karnataka. However, we are working towards replenishing the water tanks. More than 7,000 borewells have dried in Bengaluru. Hence, we are facing a water crisis. We are pumping in water from the Cauvery river. Hopefully, the problem will be solved soon.

 

Q: You had written to the Election Commission against Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for not releasing funds for the water crisis?

 

A: The Centre has failed to help the State government. It is the basic responsibility of the central government to stand by the state governments in situations like the drought which affect people directly. 

 

Moreover, the Central government is supposed to pay money for MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) funds too. Instead of 150 days, they are only providing money for 100 days; 50 days funds are missing. 

 

Q: When it comes to water crisis, the Bharatiya Janata Party has accused the Congress for giving water to Tamil Nadu. What is your take on this?

 

A: I would want the BJP to prove that the Congress is overlooking the needs of the people of Karnataka and putting others over them. Anybody can make baseless comments. Until and unless, one does not have a proof, the claim does not stand.

 

Q: The manner in which the BJP is campaigning in the state, it seems that it is hell-bent on DK brothers losing the elections?

 

A: Let them campaign. There is nothing wrong with it. None but people will decide the outcome. During the assembly elections, people of Karnataka have shown the BJP their place. This time, too, they will do the same.

 

Q: Even Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy has been targeting the Congress for its guarantees?

 

A: Guarantees that we have promised are being implemented. Over 95 per cent are receiving the guarantees that we have promised. I would want the media to conduct a free and fair survey. It will reveal how happy people are. It is imperative for the government to fill the stomachs of its people and provide them with stable income opportunities. These are basic necessities of one’s lives. If a government provide the people of the state with food and employment then only it can survive by gaining people’s mandate.

 

Q: The BJP is following the Congress by talking about ‘Modi Ki Guarantee’?

 

A: I wonder what the BJP government has been providing to people. The price of petrol touches new highs every now and then. It has gone upto Rs 100. What the central government has done to reduce the price of petrol. (Referring to the journalist interviewing him) Your income has not been doubled? They said they will double the income of everyone. Nothing has been done in this regard. The BJP government at the Centre promised to double farmer’s income. But no step has been taken on that front too. The BJP brags about Modi’s guarantee. But what is his guarantee? Just to be the prime minister?

 

Moreover, the BJP is no longer a political party, The word ‘BJP’ has been substituted by ‘Modi’. This is the reason why they talk about ‘Modi Ki Guarantee’ and not ‘BJP Ki Guarantee’. And the word ‘guarantee’ has been stolen from us.

 

Q: Probe agencies pay a frequent visit to your house. What do you have to say on this?

 

A: The BJP’s technique is to torture the Opposition by sending Enforcement Directorate, Central Bureau of Investigation  and Income Tax officials. I, too, have been receiving notices. They feel that I am a threat to everyone. They have frozen my bank accounts. I do not know how to give money for advertisement even.

 

Q: Before the assembly elections, Karnataka had issues pertaining to hijab, nakab, halal. And now temple tax and Hanuman Chalisa. What do you have to say on this?

 

A: None of these issues actually make any difference. It is between a starving man and an emotionally selling party. The Congress tries to provide food to the poor, Conversely, the BJP tries to fill their stomachs with emotional jumlas. People have understood their tactics. And they will give the BJP a befitting reply in the polls.

 

Q: What is your take on JD(S) sealing a deal with the BJP?

 

A: It is shocking to see that both Kumaraswamy and BJP leaders are wearing saffron flags. I am no one to comment on this. Anybody can make alliances with whosoever they want. However, people take note of everything. And they will teach them a lesson. 

 

Q: Opposition says that because of the guarantees, the Congress government is going bankrupt. Do you think things will change after the elections?

 

A: People are happy and that is important. The economic strength has gone up. They are leading a peaceful life. We have been brought back at the helm by the people and, thus, catering to them is our foremost priority. We do not care about who is saying what. 

 

Q: The BJP fights election on Ram Mandir, Article 370, Sabka Saath-Sabka Vikash. What do you think about it?

 

A: They are trying to target people’s emotions. However, these ploys do not work now. People vote for development and if a party is not promising that then it will not get people’s vote.  

 

Q: Chief ministers are getting arrested, ahead of polls? What do you have to say in this regard?

 

A: I never expected a party to stoop down to this level. The BJP will have to pay a price for it. One cannot do anything and everything and get away with it. Union Minister Amit Shah has claimed that the INDI Alliance got 14,000 out of 20,000 crore through electoral bonds. There will be a big debate on this in the near future.

 

Q: BJP’s big shot leaders have come to Karnataka to campaign, but Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has not even come once. Why so?

 

A: Let them come as many times as they want. I am glad that they love the people of Karnataka. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi will come to the state soon to campaign. He will be here for one or two days. Apart from that we do not want to trouble him.