Speaking to reporters at his official residence in Bengaluru, he said BJP leaders were using public transport only for “symbolism”.
“Will (MoS) V Somanna and other BJP leaders travel by public transport every single day? If they do, we have no objection. Let them save petrol and diesel. They speak about reducing fuel use and cooking oil consumption, but continue with their own lifestyles,” he said.
Responding to questions on his recent visit to Tirupati and remarks linked to gold purchases, Shivakumar defended the cultural significance of the mangalya in Hindu traditions.
“Mangalya is a symbol of Hindu religion and marriage. We even adorn our deities with mangalya. How can anyone tell people not to buy gold for their wedding or not to tie the thali?” he asked, adding that people had the right to spend their earnings as they wished.
‘Guarantee schemes have made history’
The Deputy CM said the Congress government had spent Rs 1.34 lakh crore on its five flagship guarantee schemes over the last three years and claimed the programmes had become a national model.
“Our guarantee schemes have created history in the country. Even the BJP, which once criticised them, has replicated similar schemes in states where it governs,” he said.According to Shivakumar, the Gruha Lakshmi scheme alone has disbursed Rs 69,793 crore to 1.24 crore women beneficiaries, while the Gruha Jyothi scheme has benefited 1.64 crore households at a cost of Rs 26,115 crore.
He said women had undertaken 726 crore free bus journeys under the Shakti scheme, costing the government Rs 18,943 crore. Anna Bhagya had benefited 4.4 crore people at an expenditure of ₹11,821 crore, while Yuva Nidhi had cost Rs 950 crore.
‘Government has delivered on promises’
Shivakumar said the government had largely fulfilled its promise of establishing medical colleges across districts and had ensured “justice for all communities”.
He also criticised the previous BJP government over its handling of the Covid-19 crisis, referring to the Chamarajanagar oxygen tragedy, and said the Congress government had provided jobs to affected families.
“Our government has laid the foundation to make Bengaluru world-class. Criticism from the opposition is natural in politics, but we have delivered on our commitments,” he said.
Dismisses CM change speculation
On former Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna’s reported remarks that Home Minister G. Parameshwara should become Chief Minister if there was a leadership change, Shivakumar sought to distance himself from any succession debate.
“Why is Rajanna trying to change the CM? I have never said anywhere that the Chief Minister should be changed,” he said.
When asked about meeting Congress leaders at Energy Minister KJ George’s residence, Shivakumar said discussions were centred on strengthening the party and returning it to power.
On whether he would travel to Delhi to meet Rahul Gandhi, Shivakumar said he would do so if called by the Congress leadership.
Commenting on the Supreme Court order regarding GBA elections, he said election officials would conduct the polls before August 30 after consultations with the authorities concerned.
