Republic Kannada Summit LIVE: Catch leaders and newsmakers in Karnataka's biggest news event today

The Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivkumar, stated that the state government is moving forward with its promised 'guarantee schemes' despite opposition scepticism regarding their financial feasibility. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, accompanied by Siddaramaiah, affirmed their commitment by signing the guarantee letters. In response to allegations of fiscal strain, they highlighted the BJP's unfulfilled promise of a ₹15 lakh deposit and questioned the delayed implementation of the food security bill over the past decade.

Addressing criticisms from Infosys founder Narayana Murthy regarding government assistance, Shivakumar underlined the necessity of public awareness about governmental aid amid rising prices and inflation. Moreover, he stressed the government's responsibility to foster job opportunities while acknowledging the public's vigilance in identifying governmental errors.

Regarding the contentious Mekedatu project along the Cauvery river, Shivakumar asserted Karnataka's entitlement to pursue it unaided if necessary, claiming that both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu would benefit, with Tamil Nadu potentially gaining more. He prioritised allocation of water for drinking purposes and commitment to the existing water-sharing agreement with Tamil Nadu.
 

In an impassioned speech at the Republic Kannada Summit, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar declared himself a pragmatic politician, while dismissing the credibility of exit polls. Reflecting on Karnataka's electoral landscape, Shivakumar revealed his anticipation of 141 Congress seats, when the final tally amounted to 135 victories. He stressed the Congress party's commitment to fulfilling public expectations and drew parallels between Congress' promises in Karnataka and those made by the party in Telangana. Criticising rival parties for manipulating sentiments, Shivakumar lauded Congress for consistently prioritising people's livelihoods. He highlighted the Bharat Jodo Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi, underscoring the alleged lack of compensations for farmers during the COVID 19 crisis under BJP rule. 

Republic Kannada Summit: Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka stressed about the joint efforts of the BJP and JDS coalition partners in closely monitoring the government's decisions during his speech at the Republic Kannada Summit. With a show of unity, Ashoka reaffirmed that he would be open to working with Kumaraswamy, highlighting their common rural upbringing. He highlighted the lack of facilities in villages by pointing out how former villages like Kamakshipalya, Yalahanka, and Jayanagar have become towns, illustrating the heartbreaking reality of rural migration. Ashoka promoted the idea of "Grama Vastavya" (Staying in the village) as the pinnacle of rural progress and emphasised the critical need for government-backed facilities in villages as a true measure of development. He emphasised the value of government outreach to rural areas and praised farmers' steadfastness while arguing for free legal assistance and equitable crop prices.

At the Republic Kannada Summit, Arnab Goswami, Editor-in-Chief of Republic, envisioned Karnataka's trajectory towards a trillion-dollar economy. He pledged the launch of India's largest digital media endeavor within the next three months while highlighting Republic Kannada's impactful role in setting the daily news agenda and functioning as the authentic voice of Karnataka's populace. Emphasising the principle of 'Nation First' as the cornerstone of Republic Network, Goswami announced the network's expansion into multiple languages. He took pride in Republic Kannada's exclusive coverage from the Gaza Strip for an entire month, underscoring the team's unwavering commitment to reporting on critical global events.

Tejaswi Surya, Member of Parliament, delivered a thought-provoking speech at the Republic Kannada Summit, challenging conventional ideas about how to solve traffic congestion. He strongly opposed the proposed 50 thousand crore tunnel road initiative, dismissing road widening and expensive tunnel projects as inadequate solutions to traffic congestion in Bengaluru. Surya steadfastly advocated for a paradigm shift, emphasising that the implementation of a robust railway system is the only viable solution to the city's traffic quagmire. Using examples from developed countries, he emphasised the importance of efficient railway facilities in reducing traffic congestion, implying a more sustainable approach to Bengaluru's urban mobility challenges.

Tejaswi Surya, Member of Parliament, voiced concerns at the Republic Kannada Summit, emphasising the critical need for visionary leadership to shape Bengaluru's trajectory. Expressing gratitude for the city's role in shaping his identity, Surya questioned the future course, challenging the absence of a 25-year vision for Bengaluru's development. He lamented the lack of plans to revitalise the city, citing a 30-year delay in implementing a suburban railway and expressing deep disappointment as a Bengalurean. Critically addressing the short-term approach to problem-solving, he highlighted the systemic issue of limited foresight, citing concerns over the absence of BBMP elections and the limited tenure of a mayor, which hampers long-term development strategies. Furthermore, he underscored the instability in crucial institutions like BMRCL, Metro, and the Suburban Railway, lacking permanent Managing Directors, urging for structural stability to drive Bengaluru's progress.

During an address at the Republic Kannada Summit, Member of Parliament and Former Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda passionately advocated for a departure from the realm of hate politics, stressing its detrimental impact on Karnataka's advancement. Emphasising the necessity of inclusive politics for the state's well-being, Gowda lamented the prevalence of hate-driven agendas within all political factions. Urging a paradigm shift, he advocated for the cultivation of a politics based on love, highlighting the pressing need to move beyond divisive ideologies. Reflecting on a bygone era, Gowda nostalgically recalled the presence of love in politics back in 1975, juxtaposing it with the pervasive dominance of hate-driven narratives in contemporary politics.

Addressing the Republic Kannada Summit, State Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy underscored the significant strides made in Karnataka's infrastructure and irrigation facilities over recent years. While emphasising on the crucial need to preserve and elevate government schools, Reddy also highlighted the pressing attention required in rural healthcare. He emphasised the intrinsic link between job creation and progress, asserting that without robust employment opportunities, true advancement remains elusive. Reddy also acknowledged the development in regions like Kalyana Karnataka and Kittur Karnataka, citing their progress. Firm in his stance on development, he advocated for a politics-free approach, drawing inspiration from successful models in states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

In a compelling address at the Republic Kannada Summit, former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai delivered a passionate call for a comprehensive vision of 'Dream Karnataka.' Highlighting the disparity in progress between regions, Bommai said that Old Mysore state has witnessed strides, yet the wheels of development have turned sluggishly in North Karnataka due to historical impediments from different administrations. Our roots in traditional agriculture are nourished by rivers originating in the Western Ghats, providing vital irrigation, he added. Addressing the emotional subject of Karnataka's unification, Bommai reaffirmed the state's progressive nature, particularly its technological advancements. He emphasized Karnataka's role as a hub of skilled human resources, asserting confidently that no IT company would relocate from the state. Despite remarkable strides in technology and agriculture, Bommai highlighted persisting challenges of poverty, inequality, and the urgent need for substantial progress in women's empowerment across the state.

Republic Kannada Summit LIVE: Republic Kannada Summit is an important forum that showcases the voices and perspectives of leaders and influencers shaping the narrative and future direction of Karnataka. 

The Republic Kannada Summit aims at gathering influential figures, politicians, experts, and opinion leaders to address important topics such as governance, economy, culture, society, and other pertinent issues impacting the state. The event allows for live interactions, interviews, and discussions among key stakeholders, providing viewers with a comprehensive understanding of the region's current affairs, challenges, and opportunities.