Latest news with #KarnatakaCongress
India Today
7 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
BJP leader dares DK Shivakumar to open debate on Bengaluru tunnel road project
BJP MP Tejasvi Surya dared Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to an open debate on the controversial tunnel road project in Bengaluru, calling it an 'unscientific' and 'elitist' initiative that will worsen the city's traffic woes. Surya's challenge comes in response to the Karnataka Congress's post on X on July 16, in which the party defended the Rs 18,500 crore project and dismissed Surya's earlier criticism as 'misleading, political pandering and short-sighted.'advertisementThe back-and-forth between the Karnataka Congress and Surya began after the Bengaluru South MP posted a statement on X on July 14, calling the 18-kilometre tunnel between Hebbal and Central Silk Board as a 'vanity project' for the rich. 'When the Deputy Chief Minister himself says that even God can't fix Bengaluru traffic, he's revealing his own incompetence rather than working on solutions. We don't need divine intervention — we need competent governance,' he claimed the tunnel road would primarily serve 'the crorepatis of Sadashivanagar and the millionaires and billionaires of Koramangala fourth block', with the proposed toll of Rs 660 pricing out the common man. He argued that the Congress-led state government was undermining public transport and prioritising private vehicle infrastructure, despite studies warning of increased congestion. The Bengaluru South MP also questioned the project's economic rationale, saying it demanded a viability gap funding of Rs 7,100 crore and cost more than major national infrastructure like the Atal Tunnel, Mumbai Coastal Road, and the 655-kilometre Trivandrum–Kasargod highway. 'Why is this tunnel road so expensive? At whose cost is the Congress, the Deputy Chief Minister and the Chief Minister trying to loot the state?' he alleged the project would benefit contractors and the Congress party, not the public. 'We will fight this by exploring every possible means at our disposal. We will fight inside the courts, the Vidhana Soudha, and the Parliament. We will build public momentum so that this project, which is going to be a disaster for the city, will never see its daylight,' he also flagged irregularities in the Rs 9.5 crore Detailed Project Report (DPR), alleging it contained references to Malegaon and Nashik and was partly copied from the Metro DPR, which cost only Rs 1.6 crore. He claimed one of the consultants involved was debarred in a National Highways Authority of India project in Madhya Pradesh and linked the authors to a Rs 500 crore scam in Jammu and pointed out that the project had not been cleared by the Bengaluru Metropolitan Land Transport Authority (BMLTA), which is mandatory under Section 19 of the BMLTA Act. 'Bengaluru is not just a city, it's the beating heart of modern India, and it deserves infrastructure that matches its global stature,' Surya said, calling for investment in Metro, Suburban Rail and BMTC buses Karnataka Congress, responding on July 16, accused Surya of 'misleading' the public and dismissed his criticism as 'political pandering'. It defended the tunnel as a vital, signal-free, high-capacity corridor forming part of a larger multimodal mobility vision, alongside Metro expansion (over 70 km under construction), Suburban Rail (148 km), BMTC upgrades, ring roads, and arterial road from being elitist, the party claimed the project would reduce surface congestion and indirectly help the 90 per cent of commuters who rely on public or non-motorised transport. 'You've rightly stressed the importance of public transport, but progress is not a zero-sum game. Roads and rail must co-exist,' it cited its urban transport investments under the United Progressive Alliance government and said Shivakumar was continuing that legacy with 'bold multimodal interventions'. 'We welcome public audits, technical scrutiny, and open debate. But don't stall progress by labelling every transformative project as wasteful. Citizens deserve efficient execution, not polarised discourse,' it July 17, Surya replied on X: 'Good Morning. If you truly welcome technical scrutiny and public debate on this tunnel road project, I propose an open discussion with Hon. DCM Sri @DKShivakumar who is spearheading this project. Let the time and place be of your choosing Am waiting to hear back from you.'- Ends advertisementIN THIS STORY#Bengaluru#Karnataka
Hans India
7 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Tunnel project row: BJP MP Tejasvi Surya challenges Dy CM Shivakumar to public debate
Bengaluru: National President of the BJP Yuva Morcha and MP Tejasvi Surya on Thursday challenged Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, who is also the Bengaluru Development Minister for an open talk and public debate regarding the Bengaluru tunnel project. Tejasvi Surya claimed that the project only helps elite car owners and won't reduce the traffic jams in Bengaluru. Responding to the attacks by Surya, Karnataka Congress had stated on its social media handle X, "This isn't about political credit. It's about 'Brand Bengaluru', a city that needs the state and Centre to work together. We welcome public audits, technical scrutiny, and open debate. But don't stall progress by labelling every transformative project as wasteful. Citizens deserve efficient execution, not polarised discourse." Surya refering to this, stated on Thursday, "If you truly welcome technical scrutiny and public debate on this tunnel road project, I propose an open discussion with Dy CM Shivakumar who is spearheading this project. Let the time and place be of your choosing." "It will definitely be beneficial to discuss the merits and demerits in a healthy way. Am waiting to hear back from you. Thanks," he said. "When we oppose Bengaluru's tunnel road project, some cite Singapore as a model. But even Singapore scrapped similar mega tunnel plans after realising they were costly, unsustainable and ineffective at decongestion. Don't cherry-pick examples. Learn from Singapore's correction too," Surya stated. He further asked Dy CM Shivakumar, "Why should we repeat mistakes others have walked away from?" "BJP will strongly oppose the tunnel road project, which is nothing but a loot of public money under the guise of development," the Bengaluru South MP claimed. "This 18-km tunnel road project for Bengaluru, costing Rs 18,500 crore, is planned exclusively for cars from Hebbal to Dairy Circle. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) and feasibility report are riddled with inconsistencies and irregularities," Surya claimed. According to the report, the tunnel can carry 600–1,600 people per hour and if bikes and two-wheelers are allowed, it could handle about 7,500 people per hour. However, as of now, the plan allows no access for buses, autos or two-wheelers. The BJP MP has raised objections to the project stating that if a Metro were built instead, it could carry 25,000 people per hour. 'Do we want a project that helps only car owners or a metro project that benefits 25,000 people per hour?' Surya asked. The Deputy Chief Minister himself said a toll would be levied on the tunnel. The DPR mentions one way toll fee of Rs 660. 'How many people in Bengaluru can afford to pay Rs 660 daily to commute?' he asked. 'This is a tunnel for the millionaires of Sadashivanagar, Dollar's Colony, and 4th Block Koramangala. It seems tailor-made to help D.K. Shivakumar and his close relatives travel to their homes in Koramangala,' Surya alleged. Surya stated, 'BJP opposes the tunnel road project. We will fight to ensure that every single rupee of the people is protected.'
India Today
16-07-2025
- Business
- India Today
Andhra woos investors as Karnataka pauses aerospace park land deal amid protests
In this episode of Super 6, the discussion focusses on the competition for aerospace investment between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. This follows the Karnataka government's decision to pause the land acquisition process for a proposed aerospace park, a move attributed to ongoing farmer protests against what they term a 'coercive' process. While the Karnataka government asserts it is not abandoning its aerospace ambitions but balancing them with farmers' interests, Andhra Pradesh has extended an open invitation to aerospace companies. A spokesperson for the Karnataka Congress stated, "What we have paused right now was a coercive land acquisition process. Not our aerospace ambition, what we have simply done is what we have promised." The debate explores whether Andhra Pradesh's proactive pitch could divert investment from Karnataka, with the TDP highlighting its new space policy and the BJP criticizing the current Karnataka government for potentially losing out on development opportunities.
Indian Express
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
2-language policy or 3?: After Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, Karnataka wades into debate
Taking a leaf out of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu's book, the Congress government in Karnataka has thrown its hat into the ring by resisting the three-language policy proposed in the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020. While the government is viewing the three-language policy as a way to 'impose Hindi' on the state, its move towards a two-language curriculum has also stirred unease. Currently, Karnataka follows a three-language policy in state board-affiliated schools, allowing students to choose either Hindi, Sanskrit or any other Indian language as the third language from Class 6. Meanwhile, the first and second languages remain Kannada and English, respectively. However, in Urdu-, Marathi-, Telugu- and Tamil-medium schools, the first language would be the respective language of the medium of instruction. While the second language choice is mostly English, the third language is either Hindi or Kannada. In a post on X on June 29, the Karnataka Congress had stated that mandating Hindi as a third language in schools would create discord and pose learning difficulties for Kannada, Tulu and Kodava speakers. 'South India's linguistic diversity is a vibrant tapestry, weaving together languages like Kannada, Kodava, Tulu, Konkani, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and many others. However, mandating Hindi as a third language in schools, especially in non-Hindi-speaking states like Karnataka, creates discord. For speakers of Kannada, Tulu, or Kodava who are fluent in Kannada and English, struggling with written Hindi is a significant challenge—a sentiment shared by many students in linguistically rich regions,' the post read. It also further stated that forcing Hindi can hinder students who excel in other areas. Speaking to reporters in Mysuru earlier this month, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah backed a two-language policy and emphasised that his government was committed to it. The push for a two-language policy has been backed by education expert Niranjanaradhya VP, who is also a key member of the government's State Education Policy (SEP) commission, headed by former UGC chairman Sukhadeo Thorat. 'Introducing a third language causes an additional burden on the child, which will hamper their cognitive skills. Like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka should also stick to two languages in state board schools, with one regional language, Kannada, and the other one being English. Studies have proved that language proficiency is higher among adults than children. Hence, introducing additional languages early on will hinder their cognitive skills,' he noted. Sources in the government said that the school education department has yet to consider a policy shift in language. Moreover, the SEP commission has yet to submit a report on the two-language policy. However, this idea has not been well received among private school management associations, education experts, pro-Kannada groups, and other stakeholders. On July 13, Basavaraj Horatti, Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council, wrote to Siddaramaiah, urging him to continue with the three-language formula to foster multilingualism and national integration as envisaged in the Kothari Education Commission (1964-1966). 'The three-language formula equips students with the ability to communicate effectively in different languages, allowing them to pursue higher education and careers across various states. Psychological studies suggest that learning multiple languages enhances cognitive development,' he said. He added, 'It is noteworthy that over 17,909 students in the state scored a perfect 100 in Hindi in the SSLC examinations—more than in any other subject. While some argue that students fail more frequently in Hindi, statistics show that more students pass in Hindi than in many other subjects. In fact, strong performance in Hindi often contributes to improving the overall academic results.' Horatti also raised concerns over the livelihood of 15,000 Hindi teachers and their families in the state if the government decided to drop the three-language formula. On July 12, D Shashikumar, General Secretary, Associated Managements of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka (KAMS), warned of legal action if the state government decides to drop the existing three-language policy in state board-affiliated schools. In a representation to Siddaramaiah, the association appealed not to disturb the existing three-language policy, and instead implement key reforms to the language assessment system in the interest of the students. 'The Karnataka government is indulging in knee-jerk reactions following the developments in Maharashtra. We are, of course, against the imposition of Hindi. However, we believe a third language with the option of learning Hindi or Sanskrit or any other Indian language will enhance the cognitive skills of the students,' Shashikumar said. He added that limiting language choice violates parents' and students' fundamental rights as per various landmark Supreme Court judgments. 'Switching to a two-language policy will hamper the livelihood of 4,000 Urdu-medium schools and their teachers. What will happen to them? What will be the plight of linguistic minorities in the state who speak Tamil, Tulu, Telugu, and Marathi? They will be devoid of linguistic choices,' said Shashikumar. He also appealed to the state government to bring the first language marks in SSLC down to 100 from 125, to ensure parity with other boards. Sanath Prasad is a senior sub-editor and reporter with the Bengaluru bureau of Indian Express. He covers education, transport, infrastructure and trends and issues integral to Bengaluru. He holds more than two years of reporting experience in Karnataka. His major works include the impact of Hijab ban on Muslim girls in Karnataka, tracing the lives of the victims of Kerala cannibalism, exploring the trends in dairy market of Karnataka in the aftermath of Amul-Nandini controversy, and Karnataka State Elections among others. If he is not writing, he keeps himself engaged with badminton, swimming, and loves exploring. ... Read More
India Today
14-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
High command says don't, but Congress leaders can't zip it on Chief Minister chatter
The speculation surrounding the leadership dynamics within the Karnataka Congress shows no sign of abating, as party leaders continue to issue conflicting public statements on whether Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will serve the full five-year July 13, Karnataka Minister KN Rajanna asserted that Siddaramaiah would indeed continue as Chief Minister for the entire tenure. 'Yes, Siddaramaiah will be Chief Minister for five years. If change is there, only the high command and MLAs can do (it). I think both are not ready to change now,' he added that it would be premature to decide on the leadership for the 2028 election cycle. 'Can anyone do an election without him (Siddaramaiah) in the Congress party? 2028 MLAs will decide who'll be Chief Minister. It won't be decided now. All leaders including Siddaramaiah must be included for the next election. MLAs will then decide.' Rajanna also remarked that Siddaramaiah is unlikely to take up a national post in Delhi, noting, 'Siddaramaiah will never go to Delhi, he doesn't know Hindi either.'On Monday (July 14), Congress MLA from Mandya, Ravi Kumar Ganiga, offered a counter to the narrative by expressing support for Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's future elevation. 'DK Shivakumar will become Chief Minister when the time comes,' he said.'138 MLAs support both DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah. When the time is right, DK Shivakumar too will become Chief Minister. When time and circumstance align, good things will happen. He definitely deserves to become Chief Minister, and he will become Chief Minister.'Ganiga dismissed Opposition attacks, stating, 'While BJP state chief (BY) Vijayendra calls it a revolt, we believe in the mantra of peace. We will not respond to the opposition's remarks. This is a matter left to the high command's decision.' Reiterating party unity, he said: 'Both the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister have made their stance clear. All MLAs stand with both leaders. When the time comes, DK Shivakumar will become the Chief Minister.'Meanwhile, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge distinguished the party high command from individual leader remarks and called for internal discipline. Responding to KN Rajanna's comments, he said, 'The High Command does not function based on the whims and fancies of any individual leader. They follow a proper process, they come, evaluate the party, assess the performance of office-bearers and the government. So, it doesn't matter what I or anyone else personally thinks.'Kharge emphasised that public remarks serve little purpose. 'If anyone wants to say something, they should say it in the right forum. Coming to the media and making statements has no value, it's nothing but nuisance value.'- Ends IN THIS STORY#Karnataka
