Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday stated that the Congress government’s planned celebration in Hosapete on May 20, marking two years in power, will proceed only if there are no further escalations in the ongoing conflict with Pakistan.
Speaking to the media in Ramanagara, Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, said, “We intend to distribute title deeds to one lakh people on that day. The programme will go ahead if there are no fresh issues related to the war.” He also mentioned that preparations are in full swing for setting up 100 Congress offices across Karnataka. “In some places, we have obtained land permissions, while in others, land acquisition is in progress. For the Ramanagara office, although I had secured permission earlier, a legal stay was imposed. I have now donated a plot adjacent to the current office to the party, and construction has already started. As this office is for everyone, we are collecting contributions as well,” he explained.
When asked about Rahul Gandhi’s participation, Shivakumar clarified, “Rahul Gandhi will attend the inauguration of the Bengaluru office. For the Ramanagara office, the launch will be virtual.”
He also reiterated his stance on renaming Ramanagara district to Bengaluru South, suggesting it would lead to increased land value and reflect local pride. “We want to call it Bengaluru district. This is our pride. A day should come when we don’t go to Bengaluru they should come to us,” he said during a Youth Congress event in the district.
Following reports of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, the state government has decided to resume preparations for the ‘Sadhana Samavesha’ rally at Hosapete on May 20. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, during a video conference with district commissioners and superintendents of police on Saturday evening, had advised them to stay prepared given the tense situation. However, with news of the ceasefire, he welcomed the development and instructed the Vijayanagara DC to move ahead with the rally arrangements on Sunday morning.
Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda confirmed that the event will include the distribution of title deeds to one lakh families living in ‘hattis’ and ‘tandas’, settlements now being granted revenue village status. This move fulfils a longstanding demand of these communities.
The entire state cabinet is expected to be present at the rally, which will also showcase the government’s achievements over the last two years, particularly the impact of its five key guarantee schemes on the lives of citizens.