Bengaluru

Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday urged all 224 MLAs to work together as 'Team Karnataka' for the state's development, and sought the confidence and cooperation of political leaders across parties.

This was Shivakumar's first major speech in the Assembly since becoming CM.

Speaking after introducing his Council of Ministers in the Legislative Assembly, he said every individual had new ideas and that elected representatives must win people's trust through new ideas, hope and confidence.

"We must all—MLAs, Opposition MLAs and leaders, and all members of our Council of Ministers—work as Team Karnataka for the development of the people," he said.

Shivakumar said he viewed all 224 MLAs equally and wanted to carry everyone along during his tenure.

"In a democracy, we have to accept whatever mandate people give in elections. But now that I have got this opportunity, all 224 MLAs are equal in my eyes. I want to be in this position and take everyone along," he said.

Recalling the contributions of former chief ministers and political leaders, Shivakumar said Karnataka had benefited from the administrations of several leaders over the years.

He named Kengal Hanumanthaiah, Devaraj Urs, R Gundu Rao, S Nijalingappa, B D Jatti, Ramakrishna Hegde, Veerendra Patil, S Bangarappa, Veerappa Moily, H D Deve Gowda, S M Krishna, N Dharam Singh, B S Yediyurappa, Basavaraj Bommai, D V Sadananda Gowda, Jagadish Shettar and Siddaramaiah.

"Everyone has contributed to the state in their own way. I will not criticise anyone," he said.

"Let politics remain on the streets. Inside the House, let us work together for the people. Let us forget the past and embark on a new journey," he said.

Shivakumar highlighted Bengaluru's global importance and said the state's knowledge, talent, human resources and natural resources were among its major strengths.

He said the development of Bengaluru should go hand in hand with that of tier-II and tier-III cities across Karnataka.

Referring to infrastructure projects, he said several leaders had contributed to the state's development and that political differences should not prevent the government from addressing shortcomings in existing projects.

Shivakumar cited the contributions of former chief ministers, including Yediyurappa's introduction of a separate budget for farmers, Siddaramaiah's Anna Bhagya scheme aimed at ensuring food security, Devaraj Urs' focus on social justice and S M Krishna's role in the growth of the IT-BT sector.

He said the achievements of successive governments should be viewed beyond party lines.

On the Opposition's protest over the election of the Assembly Speaker, Shivakumar said the post was neither personal nor partisan.

"The Speaker is expected to be non-partisan and listen to everyone. The Opposition should have participated in the election rather than protesting," he said.

Shivakumar said Karnataka should aim to become a green state over the next 25 years, prevent water wastage and ensure that water resources were used for agriculture.

He stressed the need to strengthen horticulture and dairy farming as alternative sources of income for farmers.

The government has decided to use CSR funds to support primary education in rural areas and prevent children and families from migrating to cities for educational opportunities, he said.

Shivakumar highlighted measures to strengthen policing, tackle drugs and improve revenue and land-record services, including e-Khata and B-to-A Khata.

"Our government is for the people," he said.

The CM said he did not intend to misuse his position against anyone and wanted to work with Opposition leaders in the larger interest of the state.

"We have no ill will towards anyone. I do not want to misuse this power against anyone or cause trouble to anyone," he said.

He said the legislature, executive, judiciary and media should work together in a democracy.

The CM sought cooperation from Union ministers from Karnataka, particularly on issues concerning irrigation and employment.

Referring to Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy, Shivakumar said he was willing to work with him despite their political differences and urged him to help create employment opportunities for people from Karnataka.

"However unhappy he may be with me, I am ready to work with him," Shivakumar said.

On the 2028 Assembly elections, Shivakumar said he was aware of the electoral challenge.

"I know how to face the 2028 elections. I am not a football player; I am a chess player," he said.

He said political power was temporary and elected representatives should focus on serving the people.

"None of us is permanent here. We may go to the Opposition and Opposition members may come here. People have elected all of us to protect the interests of the state," he said.

Shivakumar said the government wanted to maintain cordial relations with all sections of society and political leaders.

"In power, we can earn two things—the maximum number of friends or the maximum number of enemies. I want to make more friends and help everyone. I want to take everyone along," he said.

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Reflecting on his four decades in politics, Shivakumar said his experiences had given him new ideas and that he wanted his position to benefit the most disadvantaged sections of society.

"My position should be of benefit to the last person in society," he said, adding that the welfare initiatives introduced during Siddaramaiah's tenure would be continued.