d k shivakumar

Minister says Congress focused on completing term, development; dismisses leadership speculation in Mangaluru

The Kerala Congress leadership change has fueled speculation in Karnataka, with Deputy CM d k shivakumar's supporters pushing for his elevation to the top post. While the party high command has publicly backed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar's camp sees the Kerala development as a hopeful precedent. The approaching three-year mark of the government's term intensifies the debate over leadership transition.

Cutouts of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar as the next CM appeared outside the Congress office in Bengaluru. Shivakumar firmly dismissed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claims of a 'wobbling' Chief Minister's chair in Karnataka, stating all positions are stable and questioning the PM's observations.

Bengaluru is digitizing property ownership with the "My e-Khata, My Hakku" initiative, part of the "Bhoo Guarantee" scheme. This drive aims to provide legal ownership records through digital e-Khatas, benefiting lakhs of residents by simplifying documentation and reducing conversion fees for B-Khata properties. The campaign is expected to enhance transparency and ease property transactions.

Bengaluru's new double-decker flyover, recently opened for a trial run, has been temporarily closed by traffic police due to road safety concerns. Issues like inadequate signage and the need for speed limits and lane discipline were identified. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is tasked with rectifying these problems before the flyover's regular opening, anticipated around May 1st.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar criticizes the Centre's approach to the Women's Reservation Amendment Bill. He states the opposition was not consulted. Shivakumar argues for wider consultation in democratic processes. He claims the bill's introduction during elections and potential redrawing of constituencies is unacceptable. The INDIA bloc has shown unity in opposing the move.

Opposition leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Mamata Banerjee, and D.K. Shivakumar have strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of misrepresenting facts regarding the women's reservation bill. They contend the government used the bill as a political shield for delimitation, not genuine empowerment, and that the bill's passage was deliberately stalled. Leaders emphasized Congress's long-standing support for women's representation.

AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami accused Chief Minister M K Stalin of betraying Tamil Nadu's interests by campaigning with Karnataka Deputy CM d k shivakumar, citing concerns over the proposed Mekedatu dam. Palaniswami also criticized Stalin for not prioritizing farmers' issues and instead focusing on election alliances and family rule.

Senior and first-time Karnataka Congress MLAs are in New Delhi pushing for a cabinet reshuffle. They aim to secure ministerial berths for experienced leaders and new legislators. The delegation plans to meet party high command to press their demands. This move comes amid ongoing discussions about leadership changes within the state government.

Plans are underway for a major upgrade of the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The Karnataka State Cricket Association aims to increase seating capacity by 20,000. The renovation will improve spectator facilities, crowd movement, and parking. This ambitious project seeks to modernize the iconic venue to meet global standards. The transformation is expected to take considerable time.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister d k shivakumar announced that MLAs will receive three free IPL tickets and two complimentary international match tickets, with an option to purchase two more. Discussions with KSCA and IPL franchise representatives finalized this arrangement, which is optional for legislators.

Congress has announced Samarth Mallikarjun and Umesh Meti as its candidates for the Davangere South and Bagalkot by-elections, respectively. The party stated it followed the tradition of awarding tickets to family members of late legislators. Shivakumar expressed confidence in retaining both seats.

Karnataka Congress president d k shivakumar has tested positive for coronavirus and has been hospitalised, party sources said on Tuesday. "Yes, he has tested positive for Covid-19, and is admitted to a private hospital in Rajajinagar," Congress sources said. They said the 58-year-old leader got admitted to the hospital last night.