Taking a dig at Union Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy over his criticism of the Bidadi township project, Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar said criticising the Congress government is essential for JD(S) leader’s political survival.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on May 15, Mr. Shivakumar said, “If Mr. Kumaraswamy does not criticise us, he cannot survive politically. We are carrying forward the very project that he had initiated. I will fix a date and time to meet the farmers.”

Responding to questions on Mr. Kumaraswamy’s criticism of the Bidadi township project, he said, “Farmers may hit me a couple of times — so what? They may tear my clothes, throw stones, or raise slogans against me. Should I be afraid of all that? What matters is their future, their children’s future, and the future value of their properties. Maybe not today, but 20 years from now, the people of Bidadi and south Bengaluru will remember me.”

Mr. Shivakumar questioned Mr. Kumaraswamy for not de-notifying the land during his tenure (as chief minister).

“Couldn’t Kumaraswamy himself have de-notified the land for this project? Why didn’t he? I am not ready to de-notify it. He knows very well what happened after land was de-notified. Former chief minister B. S. Yediyurappa too knows, and so do I,” he said.

‘Price rise is Modi’s contribution’

Responding to the hike in fuel prices, Mr. Shivakumar said, “Price rise is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s contribution. He has not maintained good relations with other nations.”

He alleged that Mr. Modi had failed to handle the international crisis in West Asia properly.

“That is why he is now asking people to save electricity and avoid using petrol. How can people lead their daily lives without fuel? Many may reduce the number of vehicles in their convoy — that is possible. But how can ordinary people stop travelling? People need to travel to earn a living,” he said.

On appeals to avoid buying gold for a year, Mr. Shivakumar questioned the practicality of such suggestions.

“Married women need a mangalsutra. In such circumstances, how can people be asked not to buy gold?”

Kerala government formation

He congratulated V. D. Satheesan for being designated as chief minister of Kerala.

“The party high command has given Mr. Satheesan this opportunity. I sincerely wish him well. I thank all the alliance parties. We will work in accordance with the aspirations of the people,” he said.

On Special Intensive Revision

Asked about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise being undertaken in Karnataka, Mr. Shivakumar said, “Party leaders have been informed. All parties are engaged in this work. BJP, Janata Dal — everyone is working to protect their votes.”