New CM puts some bang into Bangalore

Puts some bang into Bangalore
The Times of INdia

Bangalore: The focus is on Bangalore: Newly nicknamed “mannina mommaga’’ (grandson of the soil) chief minister H D Kumaraswamy, in a distinct departure from the line laid down by his father H D Deve Gowda, made his pro-IT, pro-Bangalore, proinvestment stand very clear at his maiden press conference on Friday.

The contentious issue of Metro Rail, which Gowda has opposed, was dealt with ease and clarity. “Give me some breathing time on it. The issue in front of me is not Metro vs Mono Rail. I want the best solution to ease the problems of Bangalore and put the least burden on its citizens. I will consult experts and bureaucrats and whatever is correct, we will go ahead with it, without any reservations,’’ he declared.

Bangalore’s roads, he said, was a priority that had to be dealt with quickly. “The daily routine of Bangaloreans is being interfered with because of the bad roads and incomplete flyovers. I will do everything to ensure this problem is sorted immediately.’’

Bangalore’s outskirts — the vexatious CMC areas — came in for special mention. “We will take up special programmes for these areas, which have been largely ignored, so far.’’

Urging the IT/BT sector to create more job opportunities for the youth, Kumaraswamy said the infrastructure problems raised by them would be taken up on priority. “Any investment from any sector is also welcome. The government will respond quickly to all the needs of industry,’’ he stated.