BENGALURU: Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday slammed the Opposition for repeatedly disrupting the proceedings of the legislative house instead of debating issues concerning the people and finding solutions to them. Speaking in the Council, Shivakumar said the Opposition was within its rights to demand the resignation of Minister B Nagendra but should give notice and allow a debate on the issue. “Let them give notice, let us debate and I will answer them,” he said, adding that the alleged irregularities had already been investigated by the Special Investigation Team.
He said investigations by central agencies, including the CBI and ED, had also not established a direct link between Nagendra and the alleged scam. “If there are doubts, they could have discussed the issue in the House,” he said, criticising opposition members for entering the well and refusing to listen to the government’s response.
Shivakumar said several pressing issues, including drought, farmers’ concerns, the Cauvery dispute, irrigation, education and youth employment, remained to be discussed. He also cited the KPSC controversy, saying the appointment of its chairman by the previous government was under investigation and should have been debated in the House.
He questioned the message being sent to students and young people when the legislature remained disrupted. The state’s pending issues with the Centre, including Rs 5,300 crore sought for irrigation works, also needed discussion, he said. The CM further said issues surrounding the Greater Bengaluru Authority, the proposed Bidadi GBIT City, electoral rolls and the Special Intensive Revision required deliberation.
Accusing the BJP of prioritising politics over public interest, Shivakumar stressed that voters would “not forgive” the Opposition and claimed the BJP would fail to retain even half its existing seats in the state.