Kundaapoor, Taluk 13 – State Urban Development Minister H.C. Balakrishna announced on Tuesday that the long postponed municipal and city council elections will be conducted in the upcoming January-February window. The declaration came during his first district visit since assuming ministerial charge.
Balakrishna entered the Kundaapoor Municipal Corporation hall to attend a review meeting on the progress of the corporation’s UJD works. While addressing journalists, he was asked about recent sting allegations that have sparked political turbulence across the state. The minister dismissed the claims, stating there is no sting operation and that the media is inflating the issue.
When questioned about the possibility of filing a complaint over alleged media defamation, Balakrishna said the administration is considering legal action because of the harmful publicity circulating in the press.
The conversation shifted to a statement by S.Y. Vijayendra, who warned that if elections are announced, twenty five Congress legislators would defect to the BJP. Balakrishna countered, noting that Vijayendra had actually suggested that fifty legislators, including twenty five from Kundaapoor, would join the BJP. He asked for clarification on the exact numbers.
Regarding a recent demonstration in which Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar was reportedly pushed, the minister described the event as a procession that turned chaotic, not a peaceful protest. He said the chief minister had priority during the march and that participants were pushed aside.
On the subject of alleged loopholes in the SIR scheme, Balakrishna asserted that his team had taken up the issue the previous day, accusing the central government of misusing the program. He dismissed remarks by Somanna as purely political and not worthy of attention.
Finally, when asked about the appointment of a new state governor, Balakrishna extended congratulations but expressed disappointment that the BJP has been unable to place any of its own members in the role. He reiterated that the party’s influence in the state remains limited and urged a strengthening of its position.
Image: varthabharati.in
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati Udupi