From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Aug 19: In a sharp reaction to BJP’s comment that the ruling Congress party is resorting to ‘’Operation Hasta’’ to divert public attention from the scams facing the Congress government, Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC chief D K Shivakumar said BJP is accusing its opponents for doing what it has been doing in the State and other States.
Speaking to media persons near his residence on Saturday, he asked BJP to remember what it has been doing in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and other states instead of criticising other parties if they are luring leaders to their parties.
"In politics anything is possible at any time. Congress party is like a big ocean. So it is quite natural for people to join or even leave,’’ he said.
Shivakumar said, "BJP should remember that people take their own decisions based on their perceptions of political benefits and losses. We cannot come in the way of leaders taking decisions to their political advantage. It is part of the political process.’’
The Deputy Chief Minister said the government is not worried about opposition charges. The opposition parties have full freedom for carry out their activities. It is democracy.
Asked about BJP’s plans to organise a protest against the government on August 23, he said: "Let them first elect their opposition leader and then plan their activities.’’
Shivakumar said the flyover work on Ejipura has remained incomplete for a long time. The work was started in 2017 and barely 35% of the work has been completed so far.
"After we came to power, we reviewed the work and decided to cancel the contract due to incomplete and unsatisfactory work. A fresh tender has been invited. However, just one contractor has evinced interest and others are not participating because the work was originally carried out by somebody else,’’ he said pointing out that the matter has to be decided in the State Cabinet on the next course of action.
He said the government has to take up the work, it would need another Rs 100 crore. "We will discuss the issue in the cabinet meeting and decide,’’ he added.