Bengaluru, 14 August

In his first major speech in the Assembly after becoming Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar said that he was chess player and not a footballer, urging all 224 MLAs to work as “Team Karnataka” to push for the State’s development. 

"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 after introducing his Council of Ministers. 

He said that Karnataka had benefited from all his predecessors, regardless of their political party. 

"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 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 also dismissed criticism from Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy over the NICE Road project and the Bidadi Township, saying that it was under the JD(S) leader that the project began. 

“HD Deve Gowda signed off on the NICE Road project. He may face criticism over it, but had that road not existed, imagine Bengaluru's situation today,” Shivakumar said. 

He noted the various achievements of his and Siddaramaiah’s governments, but acknowledged that the 2028 elections would not be easy for the Congress. 

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