Notes from the field

Train talks
During a recent Metro inspection, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar was spotted seated between BJP MP Tejaswi Surya from Bengaluru South and BJP MLA S Muniraju from Dasarahalli. Amidst the inspection, some political discussions surfaced. Surya questioned Shivakumar on the missing Rs 2 crore grants for the Jayanagar constituency. In response, Shivakumar remarked that the delay was due to Jayanagar MLA CP Ramamurthy’s harsh criticism of the Congress government, claiming that a Congress-led administration would lead to “anarchy.” Following the exchange, Surya was seen trying to reason with Shivakumar. Shivakumar then called over an official to resolve the matter, mentioning that even the Jayanagar MLA had been urging him to release the funds.

Sarcastic much?

The CM’s interrogation by Lokayukta sleuths had led to a war of words. Leader Opposition R Ashoka sarcastically questioned the CM a day before the interrogation, looking at the CM’s tour plan stating, “CM was scheduled to be on the campaign trail in Channapatna by noon, right after his 10 AM Lokayukta visit. How does he already know the inquiry will be done in just two hours? We expected Lokayukta would arrest him. Is this how investigations work? The CM’s itinerary actually lists ‘inquiry,’ and then he’s off to Channapatna for campaigning.”

Internal tension

Internal tensions within the BJP have been brewing for some time now. BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal stirred the pot by stating, “If BJP has returned to power, BY Vijayendra must be removed as state unit president, and his father, BS Yediyurappa, should be barred from attending any party meetings.” When reporters sought a response, Vijayendra fired back, saying, “Only God knows why Yatnal speaks like this. Who is he to prevent BSY from attending meetings? My father is the one who built this party. If he continues making such baseless remarks, he will get a fitting reply.” Yatnal, undeterred, shot back, “BJP’s foundation was laid by Vajpayee and Advani. I remain silent, but if provoked, I will respond with force.”

Milk hike politics
The demand for a milk price hike has been growing recently, with farmers pushing for an increase while consumers remain opposed. When asked about the issue, KMF Chairman Bheema Naik refrained from commenting, saying, “I don’t want to make any statement on milk prices right now, as it’s election time, and any comment could have an adverse impact. I will wait until the 13th of this month, and after the by-polls are concluded, I will discuss the matter with the Chief Minister and then address the milk price issue.”

Crocodile tears

During the recent Channapatna campaign, NDA candidate Nikhil Kumaraswamy was seen becoming emotional and teary-eyed, which sparked a wave of trolling on social media. The videos of his family members shedding tears at past political events resurfaced, and even the Congress party mocked the incident, alleging it was crocodile tears. When asked about the emotional moment, Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy defended his son, saying, “It is true that I have shed tears in the past after seeing the struggles of the people. These tears are not for sympathy, but because we are emotional people. Not everyone sheds tears, as some bad people in politics never do.”

Leave or inquiry
Deputy CM Shivakumar was recently quizzed related to CM’s interrogation. He said, “Given the upcoming by-elections, Siddaramaiah could have easily taken a week’s leave. However, he is choosing to attend the Lokayukta inquiry in Mysuru, reinforcing that those in positions of power must not misuse opportunities.” In response to opposition claims that Siddaramaiah was only interrogated for two hours, Shivakumar clarified, “These questions should be directed to the Lokayukta office. Siddaramaiah has done nothing wrong in the MUDA case—he neither signed nor approved anything. He is attending the inquiry because the Lokayukta summoned him.”