People have given me the authority to take an S-turn, says Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar of Karnataka has stated that the authority to make decisions lies with the people of the state, giving him the right to take an S-turn when necessary. He made this remark during an event in Bagalkot district, emphasizing that the decision to withdraw the Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) (Amendment) Bill was based on public opinion rather than prestige.

Shivakumar criticized the Opposition for preventing a proper discussion on the Bill and dismissed claims that Minister B. Nagendra resigned due to Opposition protests, stating that Nagendra left to avoid embarrassment for the state government. The CM revealed that due to rainfall in north Karnataka and Maharashtra, water was released from Kabini dam instead of KRS reservoir, adhering to the farmers' interests.

Shivakumar acknowledged the BJP's padayatra and welcomed their participation, but dismissed calls for a special session, believing that the more powerful his government becomes, the more opposition it faces.