Shivakumar defends 'S-turn' remark, says public interest guides decisions

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Friday defended his recent decisions, including the withdrawal of the Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) (Amendment) Bill, saying he is guided by public interest and not by concerns over prestige.

Speaking at Kudal Sangam in Bagalkot district, Mr. Shivakumar responded to Opposition accusations of taking U-turns on key decisions. "They can accuse me of anything. But I want to tell them that the people of the State have given me the authority to take an S-turn," he said.

The Chief Minister said he had wanted to explain every aspect of the Parks Amendment Bill on the floor of the House, but the Opposition did not allow the session to function properly. He noted that the Bill had the approval of the House but was withdrawn in view of public opinion on certain issues. He added that he would have formed a committee to take a decision if necessary.

Addressing the resignation of Minister B. Nagendra, Mr. Shivakumar dismissed the BJP's claim that it was a result of their protests. He said Mr. Nagendra resigned to save the State government from embarrassment and asserted that he would remain a leader of the party.

On the issue of water sharing, the Chief Minister said water had flowed into the Krishna river due to rainfall in north Karnataka and Maharashtra, but other reservoirs like the KRS were yet to fill up completely. He said the decision to release water from the Kabini dam instead of the KRS was taken after consultations, and reiterated the government's commitment to protecting the interests of the State's farmers.

Mr. Shivakumar also spoke about the Union government's notification on the Kasturirangan report, which the State government had earlier decided not to accept. He said the State's position would be formulated after taking all parties into confidence, including the BJP, given that it is in power at the Centre.

Welcoming the BJP's padayatra, he remarked that Opposition protests indicate the government's strength. He also suggested that BJP leaders should undertake a 'Pashchattapa Padayatra' as penance for their sins, adding that the people of the State have already rejected them.