Budget initiatives will help 1.4 cr Bengalureans, BJP spreading falsehood: D K Shivakumar

Bengaluru: The Karnataka budget is a role model for the country, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar declared on Saturday, lashing out at the BJP for "spreading falsehood" about it. 

Speaking to reporters at his Sadashivnagar residence, he said: "What else can the BJP do? They are lying through their teeth. This budget is a role model for the country. The other states will follow this model soon," adding that it caters to all segments of society. 

The Deputy Chief Minister also noted that the government would build tunnel roads and ensure all the future metro lines have double-deck flyovers, besides building 300 km of roads in the buffer zones of stormwater drains. 

"The budget has laid emphasis on Brand Bengaluru initiatives. This will help 1.4 crore Bengalureans," he said. 

Shivakumar also addressed the government's decision to name Bengaluru City University after Dr Manmohan Singh, noting that the former prime minister was responsible for awarding grants for several flyovers in Bengaluru, including the flyover to the Kempegowda International Airport. "He was the architect of rights to food, information and education. His contribution must be recognised. What is the BJP's contribution?" he asked. 

Shivakumar noted that the government is giving Rs 5,000 crore to Kalyana Karnataka, whose residents have "hit a jackpot" as many developmental projects will begin. Shivakumar also noted that several irrigation projects are slated to be announced shortly.