While addressing an event in Hassan district, Shivakumar said: “Many people suggest the construction of tunnels and flyovers in the state.In the previous Siddaramaiah government, they wanted to build a steel bridge, but there was a massive uproar over it. At that time Siddaramaiah got scared and backed down from the project.”
“If it were me, I wouldn’t have succumbed to the noise made by protesters and gone ahead with the project,” he added.
Asked about Shivakumar’s remark, Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge said: “I wouldn’t say that Siddaramaiah got scared. The CM is sensitive to public opinion … Sometimes false narratives get floated and good decisions are delayed. I think that is what the Dy CM meant.”
After registering a resounding win in the Karnataka elections, the Congress was thrown into a tizzy as both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar staked claim to the CM’s post. After numerous rounds of talks, Shivakumar was convinced into stepping down.
Both leaders have put up a united front since the government was formed but the BJP has repeatedly stated that it was just a matter of time before the cracks widen and the government is toppled.
(With inputs from agencies)
