DKS chants 3A, amity mantra for Kanakapura

Bengaluru: Karnataka chief minister DK Shivakumar Sunday made an appeal to his constituency — Kanakapura in Bengaluru South district — to maintain peace and harmony, instructed police to not register frivolous cases, urged farmers to stay focused on agriculture which is "more lucrative than urban jobs" and claimed land prices in his home district have "quadrupled" ever since Ramanagara was renamed in a brand-upgrade exercise.He listed Ashraya, Arogya and Akshara (shelter, health and education) as priorities for the region, and said CSR schools will be established in one-in-three taluks.In his first barnstorming rally of his home district after assuming CM's office, Shivakumar kicked off his Janashirvada yatra (seeking blessings from his constituents) and visited about a dozen villages in and around Kanakapura. During pitstops and temple visits, the CM spoke about his vision for the region and the state. He made a soft pitch for the 2028 elections, asking people: "Do you want a two-year CM or one with a full term?"The CM urged locals to "be friendly with each other, and not quarrel. This should be a zero-police-case taluk in Karnataka. Kanakapura has a court; there is no need to go to Ramanagara (district headquarters) and Bengaluru."He said real power rests with voters, who ensured the state received five guarantees as promised in the 2023 election manifesto of Congress. He sought their support for Congress's victory in 2028 too.During his speeches expressing gratitude to voters and visiting local deities, the CM warned the people of the likely consequences of Election Commission's voter-roll revision exercise, or Special Intensive Revision. "If you want your Gruha Lakshmi, Gruha Jyothi and Anna Bhagya, ensure your votes are here," he told supporters.Reminding them of appreciation in land value, he urged locals to retain land and continue with agriculture, horticultural and sericultural activities. "You have milk centres unparalleled in the state and have contributed largely to Bamul, a district milk cooperative. Do not sell your land; people of Bengaluru will come here. Your agricultural activities will earn you as much as jobs in the city," he said.He urged youths to not form workers' unions. Instead, he asked them to upskill and take up jobs in Harohalli, an industrial township near Kanakapura.Reminding locals that BS Yediyurappa, as BJP CM, shifted a govt hospital from their region to Chikkaballapur, he said foundation stone will be laid for the hospital in Kanakapura within one month. "This first-ever hospital in taluk headquarters will be operational within two years. DK Suresh has ensured Infosys funded Rs 60 crore to the mother-and-child-care hospital here."He appointed a KAS officer to collect all grievances from his constituents and pass them on for direct redressal.