D.K. Shivakumar challenges BJP leaders to travel by public transport on a daily basis

Taking a dig at BJP leaders for “symbolically” travelling by metro trains to support the Prime Minister’s call to use public transport, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday (May 20) challenged the BJP State leaders to travel by public transport on a daily basis rather than use public transport only for photoshoots.

Speaking to the press in Bengaluru, Mr. Shivakumar said, “BJP leaders use public transport for a day or two as a symbolic response to the Prime Minister’s call to adopt austerity measures. Will Union Minister V. Somanna (who travelled by metro recently), other ministers, and BJP leaders travel by public transport every single day?”

Criticising the Prime Minister for his call to desist from buying gold, he said, “How can you tell someone not to buy gold at their own wedding and not to tie the mangalya? It is a symbol of our religion.”

The Deputy Chief Minister maintained that the guarantee schemes on which the government has spent ₹1.34 lakh crore so far have created history in the State due to their impact.

‘Will visit Delhi when called’

When asked if he would go to Delhi to meet Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Mr. Shivakumar said, “He has said he will call. I will go to Delhi when called.”

When asked about Former Minister K.N. Rajanna’s statement that Home Minister G. Parameshwara should become Chief Minister if there is a change in the post, Mr. Shivakumar said, “Why is Rajanna trying to change the Chief Minister? There’s nothing wrong in saying that the Chief Minister should continue. If he wants Dr. Parameshwara to become Chief Minister, does he want the incumbent to step down?”