Shivakumar softens stand, offers to form panel on tunnel road under R Ashoka’s leadership

Bengaluru:

In a notable shift from his earlier stance that “only God can stop” the Bengaluru tunnel road project, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday said he was ready to form a committee on the project under the leadership of Opposition Leader R Ashok, inviting the BJP to collaborate instead of protesting.

Speaking to reporters at Kanteerava Stadium, Shivakumar said, “I am ready to form a committee on the tunnel road under R Ashoka’s leadership and design entry and exit points as per their suggestions. There is no need for him to protest, as he is also a legislator from Bengaluru and shares the responsibility.”

The DCM added that the government would include any member recommended by the Opposition in the committee. “Let the committee give suggestions and directions to the government. Let’s all work together,” he said.

Shivakumar said he had personally inspected the entry and exit points at Lalbagh on Friday night. “We are evaluating alternative plans. There is no need to worry,” he added.

Responding to queries about the ‘November Revolution’ call, Shivakumar said, “Only what the Chief Minister and I have said matters; others’ words don’t.”

When asked if he and the Chief Minister were on the same page on the project, he replied, “That’s why we have won 136 seats, and now our strength is 140.”