Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, May 28: "I am utterly shocked by the results of the recently held Lok Sabha elections. I never expected this kind of outcome. So I am not at happy at the victory of my brother D K Suresh from the constituency of Bengaluru Rural," said water resources minister D K Shivakumar.

D K Shivakumar who was on an overseas tour along with his family members returned to the city today. He met CM Kumaraswamy on Tuesday, May 28.

Speaking at the press conference, Shivakumar said, "I had gone for the overseas tour with family after seeking permission from the leaders of the party. I came to know about the results during my tour itself. I never expected this kind of result. The defeat of 10 MLAs including Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge and former PM Deve Gowda has shocked me. I am unable to believe this. We will introspect about the defeat. I am not elated because my brother has won.

"Leaders like Kharge and Deve Gowda have contributed a lot to this country. It seems their works will become history now. I expected the coalition partner to get a lead of at least three lac votes in my constituency. But it was not so. I cannot digest this defeat. Though we had 10 candidates only one has won. I cannot believe this. We will discuss as to where we have gone wrong," added D K Shivakumar.

Speaking on the issue of giving land to Jindal group, the minister said, "This is the decision of the cabinet. This decision was taken by the earlier government. We had held a conference to attract the investors to invest in our state. Jindal has brought reputation to our state. Jindal has given employment, electricity etc to the state. As per the promise given by the earlier government, the land is being given to the Jindal group.

"This is not wrong. Earlier, when I had sanctioned land to Infosys company also there were protests. However, later it was more convenient for the state. We have to make necessary facilities for the investors. We have to give land to the investors to set up industries. We have to lose some things in order to gain better things."

"We will keep the promise given to the coalition government. I will not give any response to anyone's personal matter. I am a loyal worker of the party. Our leaders have told us not to speak to the media. But only today I am speaking to the press. I am speaking to you today because you should not abuse me," added Shivakumar.

Responding to the statement of Yeddyurappa to dissolve the coalition government, D K Shivakumar tauntingly said, "Yeddyurappa has all the control. Let him do whatever he can do."

Speaking on the accusation of MLA B C Patil that Lingayat community has been looked down upon by the coalition government, Shivakumar said, "I have not seen anything. I will not respond to the personal opinion of anyone. I will not speak of any caste. I have locked my mouth for the time being. I do not know anything about the extension or restructuring of the ministerial cabinet. The party has told that we should not speak to the media. Special permission is given to me only for today."