DK Shivakumar chooses Metro over convoy for first Kanakapura visit as CM

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar chose to travel by metro to his home constituency, Kanakapura, on Sunday (June 7), instead of his regular convoy. Calling it a “people-friendly move”, the CM decided to use the Metro after recognising that a road journey from his Sadashivanagar residence to Kanakapura Road would disrupt normal traffic movement, according to his office.

He travelled by Metro train from the Vidhana Soudha station to the last station on Kanakapura Road and then continued to Kanakapura by road.

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This was Shivakumar’s first visit to Kanakapura after taking over as Chief Minister. He is on a “gratitude tour” to thank the people of his constituency, who have elected him to the Assembly eight times over the years.

Metro over convoy

In an X post, the Chief Minister said he chose public transport to reaffirm the government’s commitment to sustainable urban mobility.

“The Karnataka government is fast-tracking all ongoing Metro projects to improve accessibility, reduce congestion and provide faster, safer and more reliable connectivity across Bengaluru. A world-class public transport network is essential to the city’s future growth, economic vitality and quality of life,” the post said.

The chief minister is envisioning a Bengaluru where efficient mass transit becomes the preferred choice, making the city greener, smarter and more connected for every citizen, it added.

During the Metro journey, Shivakumar greeted fellow passengers and interacted with commuters. Some passengers also clicked selfies with him. “Bengaluru belongs to all of us, and its future depends on solutions that make everyday life easier, more connected and more accessible for every citizen. Namma Metro is playing an important role in that journey,” he said.

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Speaking to reporters before boarding the Metro, Shivakumar said, “People have brought me from Doddalahalli, Sathanur, Kanakapura and Bengaluru South up to here. People there wanted to see me after I became CM, but I was not able to give them time. I requested them not to come to Bengaluru and told them I would come to meet them.”

First visit as CM

“So my first visit is to my constituency to meet my people and express gratitude to them. It is my duty to thank those who have nurtured me politically for the last 40 years,” he added.

Shivakumar was sworn in as Chief Minister along with 13 ministers on June 3 following Siddaramaiah’s resignation on May 28.

The CM received a grand welcome from Congress workers, supporters and members of the public across the constituency. He was greeted with huge garlands made of apples and other fruits, flower showers, bursting crackers and loud chants of “DK, DK”.

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He visited several important temples along his route and offered prayers. Shivakumar is scheduled to visit around 20 locations across the constituency, including his native village, Doddalahalli.

Gratitude visit

Addressing gatherings during the tour, Shivakumar said, “I pay my respects to the people of Kanakapura who blessed me and elected me to the Assembly eight times. It is because of you that I am sitting in the Chief Minister’s chair at Vidhana Soudha today.”

“I may be the Chief Minister of the state, but within the boundaries of this constituency, I am not the CM — I am your servant,” he added.

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Recalling his political journey from the constituency, Shivakumar announced that the foundation stone for a medical college in Kanakapura taluk would soon be laid.

“I have a desire that there should be a medical college in Kanakapura taluk, and soon it will come up here. You need not go to Bengaluru for any health issues,” he said.

(With agency inputs)