Won't allow 'snatching' of cricket matches from Bengaluru: D K Shivakumar

Bengaluru: Chief Minister-designate D K Shivakumar on Monday said his government will ensure that key cricket matches, like the IPL final, are not moved out of Bengaluru. 

The May 31 IPL final, which Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won, was initially slated to take place at the M Chinnaswamy stadium here. However, it was shifted to the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. 

“The finals should have been held in Karnataka (Bengaluru). We had given the permission for it. But Gujarat, by using its influence, has snatched it. We are making necessary preparations to ensure that such snatching doesn’t happen. It will take time,” Shivakumar told reporters. 

“Injustice has been done to Bengaluru and Karnataka’s youngsters. That’s because the final match was supposed to be played here. They took it to Ahmedabad.” Shivakumar said. “But the RCB team from here has played well, I congratulate them. They have made Karnataka proud,” he added. 

“I know all my youngsters of Karnataka are disappointed as they could not witness the final match in the Bengaluru stadium. The future is again with Karnataka,” Shivakumar said. 

‘Edu policy in the offing’

Shivakumar said the government would unveil a new school education policy in the days to come. He said this while wishing students well for the new academic year that commenced Monday. 

“We’re moving into the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI). I will inform you about our government’s plans on AI. I will inform you about Karnataka’s new primary education policy,” Shivakumar said. 

Earlier this month, a Cabinet sub-committee was formed to study the State Education Policy (SEP) drafted by a panel that was headed by former University Grants Commission chairperson Sukhadeo Thorat. The SEP will replace the National Education Policy (NEP), which the Congress has decided not to implement in Karnataka. 

With the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and the subsequent dissolution of his Cabinet, Shivakumar will have to decide on SEP. 

D K Shivakumar, CM-designate: "The finals should have been held in Karnataka (Bengaluru). We had given the permission for it. But Gujarat by using its influence has snatched it. We are making necessary preparations to ensure that such snatching doesn’t happen. It will take time.