Shivakumar Slams BJP for ‘Spreading Fire’, Urges Leaders to Secure State’s Share from Delhi

Bengaluru, Sept 2025 :Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday strongly criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing its leaders of fueling communal tensions instead of focusing on development. “Stirring communal sentiments, dividing people, and spreading fire is the job of BJP leaders. They have no concern about development,” he said.

Shivakumar advised BJP leaders to shift their focus towards Delhi, urging them to secure Karnataka’s rightful share of taxes, pending NREGA grants, and approvals for long-delayed irrigation projects such as Mekedatu and Mahadayi.

When questioned about the stone-pelting incident during Ganesh Visarjan in Maddur and the subsequent visit of BJP leaders to the area, the Deputy Chief Minister refrained from making detailed remarks. “The Chief Minister, Home Minister, and District Incharge Minister have already responded to this matter. Since I was out of state, I do not have complete information. I will not comment without full details,” he clarified.

Reiterating his stance, he added, “What else do BJP leaders do apart from indulging in politics? They should instead go to Delhi and fight for Karnataka’s rights.”

Speaking about Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s meeting with Bengaluru city MLAs, Shivakumar explained that the session, initially scheduled for Tuesday, had been postponed at his request due to his visit to Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. The meeting was eventually held on Wednesday evening.

On the issue of appointments for newly formed municipalities under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), he said ministers must think beyond their individual constituencies. “Ministers should not only focus on their constituencies but oversee the entire district. There are regions where we have lost ground. To regain strength, coordination is essential. Hence, ministers have been assigned responsibilities, and the party will also take steps at the organizational level,” he said.

Commenting on the arrest of Congress MLA Satish Sail, Shivakumar criticized the move as politically motivated. “There was no need for Satish Sail’s arrest. The investigation has been ongoing since 2010. These actions are being deliberately targeted at Congress MLAs to harass our party leaders,” he alleged.

The Deputy CM also highlighted his support for young talent, noting that about 24 children from Jawahar Bal Manch are being sent to a national camp in Rajasthan. “I wish them the best. I am personally bearing their travel expenses,” he shared.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka hit back at Shivakumar’s remarks, stating, “Congress leaders had no work for five years before coming to power. They will remain in power for only two years in Karnataka. After that, the BJP-led government will return, and we will assign them work.”