Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar declared his readiness to participate in an open debate on the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) at any time and on any platform, responding to the Opposition’s challenge. Speaking at the Vokkaliga Expo in Bengaluru on Sunday, Shivakumar invited leaders from the BJP, including Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy, state BJP president, and Leader of the Opposition, to engage in the discussion.

He emphasised that he would appear on a public platform, in the Assembly, or through a media forum, stating, “Let them call. I will come for the discussion.” Shivakumar specifically challenged Kumaraswamy to confront him directly on the issue, dismissing any hesitation and asserting his confidence in defending the scheme’s implementation in the state.

Highlighting achievements under MGNREGA, Shivakumar pointed out that Kanakapura taluk in his constituency has been ranked first in the country for its execution of the programme. He noted that the BJP-led Central government had itself awarded the taluk for its performance and had deployed 10 teams to investigate any potential irregularities, underscoring the transparency and success of the initiative.

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Addressing Kumaraswamy’s remark labelling Chief Minister Siddaramaiah a “leased chief minister,” Shivakumar said such statements were not taken seriously and that Siddaramaiah would respond appropriately. He further commented on Kumaraswamy’s possible return to state politics, suggesting that any such move should begin at the village level.

The Deputy Chief Minister reiterated his firm acceptance of the debate challenge, positioning it as an opportunity to showcase the state’s effective utilisation of MGNREGA funds and counter Opposition criticism with evidence of on-ground results.

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