AH Vishwanath backs Shivakumar, urges focus on Mysuru development

Mysuru: Senior MLC AH Vishwanath, a BJP senior functionary, on Thursday expressed confidence that Mysuru would benefit under the leadership of newly sworn-in chief minister DK Shivakumar, referring to him as 'Mysuru’s son-in-law.'

Speaking to reporters, Vishwanath said Shivakumar has risen from the ranks of an ordinary Congress worker to become the chief minister. He said party workers expect the new CM to listen to their concerns and aspirations.

Vishwanath urged Shivakumar to provide good governance over the next two years and ensure that Mysuru receives its due share of development works. He also welcomed the appointment of BK Hariprasad as KPCC president, stating that the combination of Shivakumar and Hariprasad would work effectively for the state.

He recalled that a task force functioned during the tenure of former chief minister SM Krishna and suggested the formation of a similar advisory team for Mysuru to provide guidance on development issues.

Expressing concern over the growing land mafia in Mysuru, Vishwanath urged the govt to focus more on tourism development. He said governance went astray when 'a son of Mysuru' was chief minister and added that the situation should now improve.

Vishwanath also remarked that there was a perception that the Congress was anti-Hindu, but said Shivakumar’s conduct during the swearing-in ceremonies helped dispel that impression. He praised the chief minister for respecting Hindu traditions and demonstrating both organisational and administrative abilities. He said he would invite Shivakumar to Mysuru and felicitate him. He also urged the govt to give greater attention to literacy and health-related programmes.

On the proposed Bidadi township project, Vishwanath cautioned the govt against ignoring farmers’ concerns. “No govt that has gone against farmers has survived in this state. The govt should take farmers into confidence on this issue,” he said.