His entry into politics was no less than a fairy tale. Now that he is in, Bangalore Rural MP, D.K. Suresh, the younger brother of D.K. Shivakumar, is learning the ropes very fast. Even before making a formal entry into politics, he did everything that an elected representative is supposed to do; politicking or overseeing the implementation of government programmes in Satanur or Kanakapura constituency on behalf of his brother Shivakumar.
No wonder, Suresh, another leader from the Vokkaliga community like former PM H.D. Deve Gowda, has a deep understanding of his constituency, a deep insight of local politics and administration.
In an interview with Deccan Chronicle, Suresh talked about the challenges— political and developmental as well. Here are excerpts from his interview
Q: Earlier, you had worked for your brother at the grassroots and now you have power to discharge the same duties. How do you feel?
A: The only change I can see is, I have constitutional powers now to discharge the same duties which I did earlier. I have very less time to fulfil the promises. People want their problems be addressed before we go back to polls again. They tend to forget that I am going back to seek votes within a year.
Q: What are the challenges you have identified and what is your plan to overcome these?
A: Different geographical areas have different problems. Parts of Bengaluru, Kunigal and Kanakapura have serious drinking water problems. My brother said we have to install over 100 pure drinking water plants before the LS polls and I am happy to say, work is underway for 60.
In some parts of Anekal assembly segment, besides proposing a long-term plan, we have decided to get BWSSB water. We have taken up major road works under different central and state schemes. Unemployment among youth is a major issue. I have requested industries in my constituency to give employment to unemployed youth.
But, they have reservations. They told me that if we employ locals, they may form unions and may cause problems in future. So, in January I have to discuss this issue with both and work out a solution. Another curious issue is rapid urbanisation of rural areas.
Pockets in Anekal are a case in point. Now, I have decided to rope in companies such as Wipro, Infosys, Biocon to spend funds under Corporate Social Responsibility on roads and other infrastructure projects as local gram panchayats have no funds for this purpose.
We have already held one round of meetings with these companies and gram panchayats. Of course, we have to go back to the drawing room to evolve a consensus. I personally feel, officials are not taking the initiative on identifying beneficiaries eligible for different schemes. My challenge is to motivate them to go to the doors of people and identify those eligible for different social welfare schemes. If this happens effectively, people will be happy.
Q: It is not rare to see people from the same family in public life. How are your relations with your brother, particularly after you became MP. Have you ever had an argument?
A: (smiles) I listen to him and he will also ask me for my opinion on many issues. I go by what my brother says. So, there is no room for any difference of opinion.
Q:Moving on, there seems to be a sustained campaign against your brother and now there is one against you too? Why? Who do you think are behind this?
A: I do not know who is behind this. But, I can say there is no truth in it and it is politically motivated. These allegations are baseless as there ise no evidence for the charges.
Q: But, do you really think there can be smoke without fire?
A: I challenge them to prove the charges.
Q: Don't you think some of your party leaders are involved in this campaign?
A: The opposition might have given the same papers to our party leaders to make baseless allegations.
