Bengaluru, 30 Sept  

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday urged Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy to focus on creating jobs in the State rather than "spending all his time and energy on politicking."

Responding to Kumaraswamy's allegation that "information is getting leaked at the official level", Shivakumar said that he "should make use of his portfolio rather than indulging in politics."

“Kumaraswamy must focus on creating 50,000 to one lakh jobs in the state rather than doing politics. Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi has given him a good portfolio of Steel and Heavy Industries, he should make use of it to create jobs rather than giving unnecessary statements,” Shivakumar, also the State Congress chief, told reporters.

When asked about his recent meeting with Home Minister G Parameshwara, Shivakumar dismissed speculations of political maneuvering, stating that Congress leadership was focused on delivering on its promises. He highlighted the completion of key projects, like the Yettinahole water project, thus fulfilling the party's manifesto commitments.

Shivakumar also addressed BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal's allegations that a "great leader" of his party has set aside Rs 1,000 crore had been earmarked to destabilise Congress government and become Chief Minister.  He said legal options would be explored in the wake the incident. He indicated that the matter had been brought to the attention of the party's High Command and would be discussed with legal counsel, calling for a thorough investigation by the Income Tax Department.

On the Yettinahole project, Shivakumar assured that water from the Yettinahole river would reach Tumakuru district by 2025. -Salar News