New Delhi, April 26: Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday said that he met Union ministers regarding Bengaluru’s development and held discussions with High Command leaders on elections in various states during his two-day visit to Delhi.
Replying to media queries in New Delhi on Saturday night, he said, “He is the AICC President and I am the KPCC President. Who else would meet our President if not me? The party had entrusted me with the responsibility of election campaigning in Kerala, Assam, and Tamil Nadu. I released the party manifesto there and also participated in Rahul Gandhi’s campaign. By-elections have also taken place in our state. I still need to go to Assam once more on the final day.” He was replying to a question on his meeting with AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge.
When asked about discussions with Union Ministers on building height restrictions, TDR, and Premium FAR, he said: “Defence Department land is needed for Bengaluru’s infrastructure development. I met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and discussed this matter. The SkyDeck project had faced obstacles from the HAL defence airport. I discussed the matter of Premium FAR. Those who lose land in the Bengaluru Business Corridor project were facing restrictions in obtaining TDR and FAR. So we have submitted a proposal from the state government. During my last visit to Delhi, I had met the Civil Aviation Minister and held discussions.”
Submission of Proposals for 1,082 Urban Development Projects
“Union Urban Development Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has set aside ₹1 lakh crore for urban development through the Urban Challenge Fund, of which ₹5,000 crore has been allocated for all cities in our state. Certain criteria have been set for this, and we have placed proposals for 1,082 projects from our state before him. We have submitted project proposals worth ₹1.25 lakh crore, for which the Central Government needs to contribute approximately Rs 32,000– Rs 35,000 crore. I have therefore requested more than ₹5,000 crore. I also told him that if other states do not avail this grant, we are ready to take it. He said he would look into it. I, Rahim Khan, and other officials participated in the meeting. HUDCO has decided to provide 50% as loan, while the Central Government must bear 25% and the State Government or local body must bear the remaining 25%. We submitted the proposal so as not to miss this opportunity,” he explained.
