‘Everyone gives advice, but funds are necessary’: DK Shivakumar after meeting with BJP MP Tejasvi Surya

BENAGLURU: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday reacted to BJP MP Tejasvi Surya’s objections over the proposed Bengaluru tunnel road project, saying suggestions are welcome, but the Centre must provide financial support.

Reacting to his meeting with BJP MP Tejasvi Surya earlier in the day, where the latter proposed alternatives to the proposed tunnel road project, Shivakumar said that decisions must align with funding availability.

The Deputy CM said, “He gave a few suggestions. He said instead of a tunnel road, a Metro line should be built. We are already working on Metro construction —but we need funds too, right?”

Shivakumar said he asked how much assistance Bengaluru has received from the Centre and expressed willingness to meet the Prime Minister to seek support.

“I asked how much money has come from Delhi. I told them I will also come, meet the Prime Minister, and get funds sanctioned. For the Lalbagh area, only a small piece of land is required. Otherwise, I’ve told them to show an alternative location,” the DyCM said.

Referring to the city’s travel habits, DK Shivakumar remarked that public preferences also influence mobility choices.

“If you don’t have a car, you won’t get a bride at home, that’s the mindset… The PM should be approached to get the funds. Everyone gives advice, but funds are necessary. How many people travel by bus anyway? For everyone, status matters, even if fficials travel by car,” he said.

He also said that Congress has begun preparations for the upcoming Legislative Council elections and that the party’s candidate would be finalised soon.

Shivakumar said leaders must start organisational work without delay.

“Everyone must start working from now itself. The candidate will be finalised within 8-10 days. I will personally speak to the candidates,” he said.

Earlier, speaking to reporters after his meeting, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya described the discussion as “very cordial and meaningful,” and said it focused on long-term solutions to decongest Bengaluru. He emphasised that the city’s mobility planning should prioritise public transport over car-centric infrastructure.

Tejasvi Surya has strongly opposed the proposed Bengaluru Tunnel Road project, arguing that it poses grave environmental and heritage threats while offering little public benefit. (ANI)