City BJP legislators boycott meeting called by Deputy CM after he turns up one hour late

BENGALURU: Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday chaired a meeting to review the overall preparedness of the various civic agencies to deal with the impending monsoon season in the city. However, BJP MLAs from the city, Dr C N Ashwath Narayan, S T Somashekhar, Muniratna Naidu, Byrathi Basavaraj and S R Vishwanath boycotted the meeting as the Deputy CM arrived over an hour late.

“Politics is over now, I requested all to come together by taking everyone into confidence. If they want to do politics, let them do it, but let them do development as well. Many legislators have highlighted problems and said there is no coordination between the different departments. I have asked for all the cooperation of all departments to make ‘Branding Bengaluru’ a ‘Better Bengaluru”, Shivakumar said after the meeting.

“I have discussed the solution to the traffic problem, drinking water, encroachment of Rajakaluve, among other issues. I have instructed the officers to draw up a plan to prevent flooding and what can be done in case of waterlogging during heavy downpour. I have decided to set up an advisory committee with the vision of building a ‘Global Bengaluru’ in mind,”, the Deputy CM added.

Further, he said, “I have sought detailed documents about total roads, construction, repairs, etc. The officials should maintain records of ongoing construction works in all wards. I have heard bills were passed without works being carried out and now I want to check for myself. I have warned the officials about it”.

On the BJP legislators boycotting the meeting, he said, four MPs and some MLAs participated in the meeting. “Three of them were left out, I don’t know why. MLA B S Patil has given a suggestion and MP Tejasvi Surya brought it to our attention. I will look into it”, he added.

On the issue of some wards not getting proper drinking water supply, and less water is being supplied to some other wards, Shivakumar assured that he will sort out the problem at the earliest.

Regarding Hosakerehalli Lake, Shivakumar said, “I have instructed BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath to submit a detailed report. The officers are authorised to clear the encroachments on rajakaluves, but the operation was stopped during the election”.

To a query on whether the Congress government will cancel the posts of BBMP joint commissioners, Shivakumar said, “I am just getting into it and I will consider all suggestions.”