My dream is to transform Bangalore into a city of global standards with world-class infrastructure. I am serious about building “Brand Bangalore”. We have released a separate vision document for Bangalore’s development during the assembly election. We are implementing a blueprint to ease vehicular traffic, improve road infrastructure and ensure continuous water supply and better drainage system. The agenda for Bengaluru infrastructure development has been reconstituted. I have set up task forces and involved captains of industry like (Infosys Technologies Ltd co-chairman Nandan) Nilekani, (Biocon Ltd chairman) Kiran (Mazumdar-)Shaw and others. The Metro project has been accelerated, and Rs800 crore spent last year. BDA (Bangalore Development Authority) has taken up various works costing Rs623 crore. Four new hospitals are being built on the outskirts of the city. Various ring roads and flyovers are being completed.
In terms of attracting industries, Karnataka was losing its sheen. Have you been able to reverse that?
Since my government came to power, we have attracted FDI (foreign direct investment) of Rs8,376 crore, 354 projects have been cleared involving an investment of Rs110,447 crore...85 new IT (information technology) and BT (biotechnology) companies have opened shop in the state, taking their total number to 2,084.
While we did postpone the planned global investors’ meet (GIM) because of the current worldwide economic slump, I have invited overseas investors on a recent visit to the US to come (and) invest in the state. The GIM will also be held once things improve. My government is eager to support foreign investors in every field. Ours is an investment-friendly government. We are developing tier II and III cities and giving importance to cities like Mysore, Hubli-Dharwad and Mangalore. Six special industrial zones will be developed for diverse sectors like steel, cement, food processing, auto, garment and IT-BT.
To improve the power situation in the state we are adding 5,000MW of power generation capacity over the next five years. We intend to provide quality power to both industry and rural consumers.
Now that the BJP has a simple majority of its own in the assembly, will you halt Operation Lotus under which opposition MLAs (members of the legislative assembly) were encouraged to join the party?
It is the media which calls it Operation Kamala (lotus). We don’t. Many political leaders in the state accepted the ideology of the BJP and after seeing developmental activities being undertaken, voluntarily joined the party. This is political polarization and it happens everywhere. However, we are not actively wooing anybody. Our focus is on developmental activities.
The Janata Dal (Secular) and Congress have moved closer with the former announcing unconditional support to the United Progressive Alliance government at the Centre. Any impact on state politics?
They have been working in tandem for long, so no surprise there. But the people will teach them a lesson if they try to destabilize a democratically elected government.
What about dissidence within the party?
There is no such thing as dissidence. Differences, maybe. Honestly, you will have to ask those (dissidents) what the (issues) are. Legislators, party workers, everybody is welcome to meet me anytime with their requests and grievances.
Are you monitoring the performance of ministers? Will there be a cabinet reshuffle soon?
As CM (chief minister) I do keep an eye on developmental work being executed by various ministries. For the present, though, there is no intention (to reshuffle the cabinet).
What about protection to minority communities in the wake of attacks on churches?