BENGALURU: In his first speech in the Assembly as chief minister, DK Shivakumar on Friday declared he was ready for the 2028 electoral battle and knew how to make a comeback. “I know how to face Assembly elections and win. I am not a football player; I am a chess player,” he said.Shivakumar also called on all 224 MLAs to work together as ‘Team Karnataka’ for the state’s development. “Let politics remain on the streets. Inside the House, let us work together for the people. Let us forget the past and embark on a new journey,” he said.He said Bengaluru’s development must go hand in hand with that of tier-II and tier-III cities. He also outlined plans to make Karnataka a green state, prevent water waste, strengthen horticulture and dairy farming, and use CSR funds for education in rural areas.The CM sought the cooperation of Union ministers from Karnataka on irrigation and employment. Referring to Union minister HD Kumaraswamy, he said they might have political differences, but “however unhappy he may be with me, I am ready to work with him”.Shivakumar said successive governments had contributed to Karnataka’s growth and their achievements should be viewed beyond party lines.
