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“The Opposition parties have said they are ready for my challenge to debate MGNREGA. I accept the offer and I am ready for the debate on any platform any time.” DK Shivakumar, K’taka DCM
Bengaluru
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday said he has accepted the Opposition parties’ challenge to debate the implementation of MGNREGA and is ready to face the discussion on any platform at any time.
Speaking to reporters near Palace Grounds, Shivakumar said the Opposition had indicated its willingness for a debate and he was prepared to take it up immediately. “They said they are ready to debate MGNREGA. I accept the offer. It can be a public platform, the Assembly, or even the media. I am ready anytime,” he said.
Responding to questions about former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy’s participation, Shivakumar said he would welcome him to the debate. “It will be good if Kumaraswamy comes first. Whether it is the BJP state president, the Leader of the Opposition, or Kumaraswamy, I am ready,” he said.
Reacting to Kumaraswamy’s remarks calling Chief Minister Siddaramaiah a ‘leased CM’, Shivakumar said such comments need not be taken seriously. “He is a dialogue king before the media. We have been hearing such dialogues for years. The Chief Minister will respond. Fix a time for the debate, even this evening—I don’t need preparation, all the facts are at my fingertips,” he said.
Shivakumar said MGNREGA implementation in Kanakapura taluk had been exemplary and even earned recognition from the BJP-led Centre. He added that a central team had inspected the works there.
On reports of Kumaraswamy’s renewed focus on state politics, he remarked, “He can do politics even from a village.”
