Mysuru among five cities to be developed to ease pressure on Bengaluru: CM

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said here on Saturday that the State government would formulate a new development plan to transform five major cities, including Mysuru, with the objective of reducing the growing population density, traffic congestion and pressure on infrastructure in Bengaluru.

Speaking to reporters after arriving by helicopter at the Oval Grounds here to inaugurate the 111th birth anniversary celebrations of Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswami at the Mysuru branch of Suttur Mutt, Mr. Shivakumar said special programmes would be formulated to create employment opportunities and strengthen education, healthcare and infrastructure in Mysuru, Belagavi, Hubballi-Dharwad and Kalaburagi, besides another major city.

He said steps had already been taken to construct ring roads in small and major cities across the State to ease traffic congestion.

“Mysuru is a better-planned city than Bengaluru and new models of development have been introduced here,” he said.

Mr. Shivakumar said a special meeting would soon be convened in consultation with local MLAs and elected representatives to discuss the comprehensive development of Mysuru and finalise an action plan.

Hanur shoot-out

On the investigation into the Hanur shoot-out case, the Chief Minister said the CID had been asked to inquire into the circumstances that led to the incident.

He said the magisterial inquiry report had been submitted and the matter had now been handed over to the CID for a detailed investigation. “If any lapse is reported, action will be taken,” he said.

On H.D. Kumaraswamy

Mr. Shivakumar accused the BJP of being unable to accept his becoming Chief Minister and said the Opposition was creating unnecessary controversy for political reasons.

Responding to Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy’s accusations against him, Mr. Shivakumar said Mr. Kumaraswamy was free to say whatever he wanted.

“Let Kumaraswamy speak whatever he wants if he gets satisfaction by doing so. I do not want to control his tongue. There is no medicine for jealousy,” he said.

Chamaraja MLA K. Harish Gowda, Regional Commissioner Nitesh Patil, Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikant Reddy, City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar, Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi and other leaders and officials were present.