Bengaluru, Aug 12: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar today said that the government was ready to name Bettadalasuru metro station after MLA Munirathna if he sponsored the station.
Replying to a question raised by BJP MLA Munirathna, in the Question Hour of the Legislative Assembly, on dropping the Bettadalasuru metro station as Embassy did not agree to sponsor it, he said, “As per the norms, it is allowed to name the station after a company if they sponsor the construction with CSR funds. Prime Minister Modi praised the model and Opposition leader Ashok was also there. Munirathna has about 70-80 acres of land there and hence he needs a metro station.”
Intervening, MLA Munirathna said, “If DCM DK Shivakumar makes a call to Embassy builders, they will make the payment in 24 hours. Builders in Bengaluru only listen to him.” Replying to him, the DCM said, “Self interest is natural. Embassy has about 250 acres and they were willing to pay Rs 120 of the total cost of Rs 140 crores to brand the metro station there. They have given only Rs 1 crore till now. We will build the station and name it after Munirathna if he pays for it.”
Leader of the Opposition R Ashok, jumping into the discussion, said, “There is already an agreement with Embassy for the station. Munirathna is only saying that the DCM must pressure Embassy to pay the balance amount.”
Replying to R Ashok, the DCM said, “Why should I pressure them? If needed, we will cancel the agreement and go ahead and name the station ‘Munirathna and Co’ if he is willing to sponsor it.”
“Krishna Byre Gowda has discussed this with me and I am looking into it. Krishna Byre Gowda is the local MLA and hence his demand is public while Munirathna’s is private.
Ready to accept Ashwathnarayan’s suggestion
BJP MLA Ashwathnarayan raised the point of setting up soak pits near underpasses to prevent flooding, the DCM said, “I welcome his suggestion. We have cleared 2,395 encroachments on storm water drains. Rain water absorption is becoming an issue in many places. Apartments also cover the earth with concrete. We are coming out with a policy for this.”
