Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai Exclusive On India Today | Karnataka Roundtable 2023

Introduction

In this section, the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Mr. Basavraj Boma, joins the India Today Conclave for a session.

The Chief Minister's Confidence

• The interviewer asks the Chief Minister how confident he is about winning the upcoming election.

• The Chief Minister expresses his confidence in winning and mentions his experience in politics.

• The interviewer questions whether the BJP can win a majority in Karnataka, given its history.

• The Chief Minister explains that he is confident due to their performance and social engineering.

Food Break

In this section, the interviewer offers food to the Chief Minister.

Nandini vs Amul

• The interviewer presents two sides of food items - Nandini and Amul.

• The Chief Minister talks about how milk production has increased during his tenure and expresses confidence that Nandini will overtake Amul soon.

Choosing Food Items

• The interviewer asks what food item the Chief Minister would like to have.

• After some discussion, the Chief Minister chooses Shrikhand.

Controversy over Nandini Products

In this section, the speaker discusses the controversy surrounding Nandini products being sold outside of Karnataka and how it has become a matter of Kannada pride. The speaker also talks about the growth of Nandini and how it will continue to grow.

Controversy over Nandini Products

• The speaker questions why people are making a big deal out of Nandini products being sold outside of Karnataka when Amul is already present in Karnataka.

• The speaker believes that the controversy is politically motivated and that opposition parties are trying to politicize everything, including milk.

• The speaker expresses confidence in the growth of Nandini and mentions that two Mega dairies have been sanctioned for its production.

Comparison between Nandini and Amul

In this section, the speaker compares the price points of Nandini and Amul products. He also talks about how most people would still choose to buy Nandini products despite Amul's presence in Karnataka.

Price Comparison between Nandini and Amul

• The speaker believes that most people would still choose to buy Nandini products despite Amul's presence in Karnataka because of subsidies given by the government which make them cheaper.

• The speaker denies being under pressure regarding the controversy surrounding Nandini products being sold outside of Karnataka.

Opposition's Campaign against Congress

In this section, the speaker talks about how opposition parties are trying to politicize everything, including milk. He also expresses his views on their campaign against Congress.

Opposition's Campaign against Congress

• The speaker believes that the opposition's campaign against Congress is politically motivated and that they are trying to politicize everything, including milk.

• The speaker expresses his views on the opposition's campaign against Congress and how it differs from other states like Uttar Pradesh or West Bengal.

Corruption Allegations

The Chief Minister of Karnataka responds to allegations of corruption made by a few contractors and Lingayat seers.

Contractors' Allegations

• A handful of contractors who have stopped working seven or eight years ago made allegations about corruption.

• The contractors' association has made statements before the current Chief Minister took office.

• The chairman of that contractor's association was arrested, and the credibility of their claims is low.

• All tenders above 50 crores will be scrutinized by high court judges and experts after department approval.

India Today Magazine

The Chief Minister talks about his long association with India Today magazine.

Association with India Today Magazine

• The Chief Minister used to read India Today magazine growing up, and it remains his favorite even now.

• He admires the format and content of the magazine, especially during emergency times.

Vision for Karnataka's Development

The Chief Minister discusses his vision for developing Karnataka if he wins a second term in office.

Priorities for Development

• His first term focused on addressing legacy issues in economic, social, and development sectors.

• He plans to come out with a new development plan for Karnataka that includes model villages, new townships, new cities, and theme cities.

• Education and digitalization will be top priorities, with a focus on government-run schools and colleges.

• Development should happen around people, not the other way around. Modern technology will enable necessary services to be delivered to people's homes.

• Health is another priority, and he has already laid a strong foundation for it.

Allegations of Corruption

The Chief Minister responds to allegations of corruption made by contractors and Lingayat seers.

Contractors' Allegations

• A handful of contractors who have stopped working seven or eight years ago made allegations about corruption.

• The contractors' association has made statements before the current Chief Minister took office.

• The chairman of that contractor's association was arrested, and the credibility of their claims is low.

• All tenders above 50 crores will be scrutinized by high court judges and experts after department approval.

Karnataka's Development

The Chief Minister talks about his vision for developing Karnataka if he wins a second term in office.

Priorities for Development

• His first term focused on addressing legacy issues in economic, social, and development sectors.

• He plans to come out with a new development plan for Karnataka that includes model villages, new townships, new cities, and theme cities.

• Education and digitalization will be top priorities, with a focus on government-run schools and colleges.

• Development should happen around people, not the other way around. Modern technology will enable necessary services to be delivered to people's homes.

• Health is another priority, and he has already laid a strong foundation for it.

Siddaramaiah Government's Contracts

In this section, the speaker talks about the contracts given by the previous government and how they are trying to blame their corruption on the current government.

Previous Government's Contracts

• The previous government gave contracts above 60-70%.

• Evidence was provided in the assembly.

• The opposition is trying to blame their corruption on the current government, but it is not sticking.

Hunger and Corruption Allegations

In this section, the interviewer questions the speaker about allegations of corruption and a recent raid at an MLA's residence.

Corruption Allegations

• A raid was conducted at an MLA's residence where six rupees of cash were recovered from his son.

• The speaker explains that Mr. Siddrama removed all powers of made ACB, which covered up similar corruption cases against him and other officials.

• There are 60 such cases including against the chief minister to ACB and ACB will not go further unless CM himself sanctions it so he didn't sanction all 60s were given by report in that similar corruption cases are there.

Hunger Break

• The interviewer interrupts with a request for food as he is hungry.

Intentions of Cleansing

In this section, the speaker talks about cleansing politics in Karnataka and how intent matters more than anything else.

Cleansing Politics

• Whoever is guilty let it be a ruling party or opposition let the cleansing start that's our intent.

• The Congress government tried to put everything under the mat by bringing in ACB which was never there before.

• The state had a history of first-ever fully empowered during Ramkrishna nobody had touched it but uh so-called honest man he has totally ruined Karnataka by bringing ACB none of the cases came out for last five-six years now they are coming up.

• The intent of the government is very important.

Dissidence After Ticket Announcement

In this section, the speaker talks about dissidence after the announcement of tickets and how many BJP leaders rebelled for various reasons.

Dissidence

• There were about three dozen all BJP leaders who rebelled for various reasons after the announcement of tickets.

BJP's Change and Casualties

In this section, the speaker talks about the casualties that come with change. He also mentions that they did not expect two gentlemen, one of whom was a chief minister and the other a deputy CM, to leave the party.

Casualties of Change

• The speaker acknowledges that there will be casualties whenever BJP tries to bring in a change.

• They did not expect two gentlemen, one of whom was a chief minister and the other a deputy CM, to leave the party.

Sticking to Decisions

In this section, the speaker talks about sticking to their decision despite indications that they were going to lose some constituencies.

Sticking to Decisions

• Despite indications that they were going to lose some constituencies, they stuck to their decision.

• The speaker is confident that they will be able to manage everything and win both seats.

Lingayat Vote Fragmentation

In this section, the speaker addresses concerns about fragmentation of lingayat votes.

Lingayat Vote Fragmentation

• The speaker acknowledges that 60% of lingayat votes came to BJP in 2018 Assembly Election according to CSDS data.

• The lingayats are angry because these two people have left which has never happened before.

• The speaker is confident that they will improve their total votes including lingayat votes.

Impact on Perception and Mahal

In this section, the speaker talks about the impact of recent events on perception and Mahal.

Impact on Perception and Mahal

• The BJP is usually masterful at building a Mahal in its favor. However, the speaker believes that recent events will not impact any Mahal or perception.

• The speaker's job is to bring back the party to power under his leadership. Who will be the chief minister will be decided by high command.

High Command Decisions

In this section, the speaker talks about how decisions are made in BJP and Congress.

High Command Decisions

• The high command will decide who will be the chief minister if BJP comes to power.

• The Congress has traditionally been a Delhi-based high command.

Democratic Party

In this section, the speaker talks about democracy within BJP and Congress.

Democratic Party

• There is a process for decision-making in BJP where they take opinions from MLAs before making decisions.

• Even tall leaders can take decisions on their own in Congress.

The Role of Janta Dal Secular

In this section, the speaker discusses the role of Janta Dal Secular and their perceived relationship with Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) and Congress.

Perception of JDS as B Team of BJP

• The speaker addresses the perception that JDS is fighting as the B team of BJP.

• The speaker explains that Congress is afraid of JDS in some areas, which is why they are trying to club BJP and JDS together.

• The speaker notes that Kumar Swami, Chief Minister of Karnataka from JDS, attacks BJP more than he ever did on Congress.

Hope for Support from JDS

• The speaker expresses hope that if required, JDS could step in to give support to BJP.

• The speaker believes that young voters from 18 to 35 years old have swung towards BJP's favor in South Karnataka.

Anti-Incumbency and Lingayat Community

In this section, the speaker talks about anti-incumbency and how it may affect the upcoming elections. Additionally, they discuss the Lingayat community's role in politics.

Anti-Incumbency

• The speaker mentions that there might be some anti-incumbency at local levels but not at a larger scale.

• They note that Congress has been unable to make anyone chief minister except for foreigner who brought them 186 seats.

Lingayat Community

• The speaker reveals a strategy where they plan to take away votes from social Hood Bank, which has been slided away from Congress.

• The speaker believes that the Lingayat community is not as empowered as they were earlier and that BJP is only doing token service to them.

Attempt to Divide Lingayats for Political Gains

In this section, the conversation is about the government's attempt to divide Lingayats for political gains in 2018. Corruption charges were also leveled against the government.

Government's Attempt to Divide Lingayats

• In 2018, the government under Sidra Maya and DK Sukumar tried to divide Lingayats for political motives.

• The attempt was openly made, but Lingayats have not forgotten it.

• DK Cucumber apologized after the election for this attempt.

Corruption Charges Against the Government

• Dingaleshwara Swamiji of Baleshwarmat leveled corruption charges at the government.

• Officials were demanding money, and an investigation should be carried out.

• There was a misunderstanding regarding taxes being considered as bribes.

Issues of Tipu Sultan, Halal and Hijab

This section discusses issues such as Tipu Sultan, Halal, and Hijab. The conversation revolves around how these issues are no longer relevant or significant in Karnataka politics.

Controversial Issues No Longer Relevant

• These issues are not election issues anymore.

• There is no hijab issue currently.

• Many people in BJP had raised concerns about these issues earlier but have now stopped talking about them.

• It is good that these issues are not part of current politics.

Rule of Law Approach

• All controversial issues were dealt with by rule of law approach without taking sides.

• The feeling of all communities should be respected while dealing with such matters.

Plans for Second Term in Power

This section discusses the plans of the government for its second term in power. The conversation revolves around key projects that could not be completed and new projects that are planned.

New Cities and Upgraded Engineering Colleges

• Six new cities will be built in different parts of Karnataka.

• Government land has been identified for these cities, and city planners have been called to come up with a theme.

• Seven engineering colleges will be upgraded to IIT level in the next five years.

• Money has already been released, and expert committees have given their reports.

• In the next four years, seven IITs will be tied up with the best universities globally.

Traffic and Infrastructure in Bangalore

In this section, the speaker talks about traffic management in Bangalore and the infrastructure projects that are underway to improve it.

Traffic Management

• The speaker mentions that most of the traffic in Bangalore is under control due to changes made by a top official who has implemented digital cameras and synchronized cameras.

• The waiting time at one particular place has been reduced from 15-20 minutes to 5-6 minutes.

• The government has identified 11 corridors for traffic management.

Infrastructure Projects

• The government plans to have a Suburban rail, metro third phase, and a satellite town ring road which will help avoid traffic congestion.

• There are plans for well-linked satellite towns with identified land for development.

• Industrialization is a main issue in North Karnataka. The government has given FMCG cluster toy cluster, Pharma cluster, etc., which will generate employment opportunities.

Audience Poll and Singing Session

In this section, the speaker conducts an audience poll on whether they want him to sing or not.

Audience Poll

• The speaker conducts an audience poll asking if they want him to sing.

• He jokes about cricket match scores and his favorite singer.

Singing Session

• No significant information was provided regarding singing session as it was just a casual conversation between the speaker and the audience.

Light-hearted Conversation

In this section, the speaker has a light-hearted conversation with the audience.

Light-hearted Conversation

• The speaker jokes about someone sleeping and says that it is not him.

• The speaker talks about singing and how he loves songs in different languages.

• The speaker mentions that he cannot sing due to his throat.

Cultural Connect

In this section, the Chief Minister talks about his cultural background and how it has influenced him.

Growing up with a Cultural Influence

• The Chief Minister talks about growing up in a very cultural place called Hubli Dharwadis.

• He mentions that people from his place have settled down in Pune and have a great connect to culture, music, and drama.

Victory Song

In this section, the interviewer asks the Chief Minister if he would sing a song for them.

Singing a Victory Song

• The interviewer asks the Chief Minister if he would sing a song for them.

• The Chief Minister declines but says that if he wins, he will sing a victory song for them.

Enjoying the Pressure

In this section, the interviewer asks the Chief Minister about his feelings towards the ongoing elections.

Interesting Battle of My Life

• The interviewer asks if this is the toughest battle of his life.

• The Chief Minister responds by saying that it's an interesting battle with new elements coming into play. He enjoys taking on leaders from Congress who are working with his father.

Enjoying Pressure

• The interviewer asks if he likes pressure.

• The Chief Minister responds positively and says that taking on leaders from Congress gives him energy and moral support.

Campaigning Plans

In this section, they discuss plans for campaigning and what will happen after the elections.

Wishing All the Best

• The interviewer wishes the Chief Minister all the best for his campaign.

Flying Down to Bangalore

• The interviewer suggests that they fly down to Bangalore.

• The Chief Minister declines to answer questions from Delhi and says that Bangalore will do its own thing.

Conclusion

• The interview ends with the interviewer thanking the Chief Minister and wishing him all the best.