After facing brickbats, BMRCL says it will pay for bouquets

Interacting with reporters just before the Chief Minister’s inspection of the arrangements for the inauguration of Namma Metro scheduled for October 20, he said the BMRCL has allocated Rs 2.5 crore towards the opening day festivities, ‘inclusive of everything’.

However, when questioned by Deccan Herald as to why such a massive allocation, Sivasailam, categorically stated: “Report this as I say it: Of the Rs 2.5 crore, Rs 1.5 crore will be paid to you people (media).”

Sivasailam refused to clarify or elaborate on his statement. But when asked again, he shot back: “Can you print this? Do you want to take back the uncomfortable question after knowing this answer?”

“All the amount is being taken by the media for paid news service,” one of the BMRCL engineers present with Sivasailam said. Sivasailam nodded, hinting that the statement might be true.

Following this, he accompanied Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda for the inspection. As the City awaits the inauguration of Namma Metro with bated breath, the BMRCL, it seems, is leaving no stone unturned to ensure a ‘grand’ success.