Bengaluru, June 18 (SocialNews.XYZ) In a significant development in the long-pending Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir and Drinking Water Project, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday said he was prepared to hold discussions with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay at any time and urged both states to keep politics aside while considering the interests of their people. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru after casting his vote in the Legislative Council elections, CM Shivakumar said there should be no reservations about engaging in dialogue with Tamil Nadu over the project.

Mahabalipuram, Aug 20 (SocialNews.XYZ) Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday highlighted the Mekedatu reservoir project at the Southern Zonal Council meeting, describing it as beneficial not only to Karnataka but also to farmers in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Concluding his address to the 31st meeting of the council in Mahabalipuram, Shivakumar appealed for cooperation in resolving the long-running Cauvery water dispute. He said Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had spoken to him while they were walking to the meeting and stressed the need for Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to settle the issue.

Bengaluru, July 15 (SocialNews.XYZ) Amid the ongoing controversy over the proposed Bidadi Township Project (BTP), Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday asserted that the settlement was neither his "dream project" nor one initiated by him, and accused political opponents of misleading farmers and conspiring against him. He also ruled out forced land acquisition for Bidadi Township and announced his decision to set up an expert panel soon. Addressing a press conference at Vidhana Soudha, CM Shivakumar said he was merely continuing a process initiated by previous governments and maintained that no land would be acquired forcibly.

Bengaluru, June 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) After the victory of all five Congress candidates in the Legislative Council elections held for seven seats, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, accompanied by his wife Usha Shivakumar, offered prayers at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala on Friday. This is his first visit to Tirupati after assuming the role of Chief Minister. The Chief Minister visited the renowned hill shrine and had 'darshan' of Lord Venkateswara during the early hours of the day. Temple authorities received the couple and facilitated their visit to the temple.