Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has announced a Rs 5 crore grant for the Bengaluru Advocates’ Association, alongside an annual allocation of Rs 5 lakh for celebrating Kempegowda Jayanti. Speaking at an event hosted by the association, Shivakumar declared that two lawyers will be mandatorily conferred the Kempegowda Award every year.
Addressing the gathering, he emphasized the importance of supporting legal professionals and assured that within a week, solar power systems for the association’s building would be assessed and implemented. Responding to their long-standing demand, he also promised to identify and allot 10 acres of land within a 20 km radius of the city for the association’s use.
“Getting a chair is hard. When you get one, sit comfortably,” he quipped humorously, urging lawyers standing at the sides of the hall to take their seats. He also remarked that advocates must work with a sense of justice and satisfaction, and avoid misusing the black coat or clashing with police.
Reflecting on Kempegowda’s vision, Shivakumar said that although Bengaluru is not a planned city today, it was laid out with foresight by Kempegowda and inspired by the ideals of Krishnadevaraya. He said the Greater Bengaluru Authority was created to preserve such legacies.
Shivakumar shared his personal journey—how his father wanted him to be an engineer, but he aspired to be a lawyer. He eventually became a minister at 29 and founded the Global Academy to train future engineers. “Though I couldn’t become a lawyer, I’ve made my son one,” he added.
The DCM also recalled his political beginnings, contesting against former PM H.D. Deve Gowda, and acknowledged the influence of senior leaders like Y.K. Ramaiah, A.K. Subbaiah, and S.M. Krishna on his growth.
He took a humorous dig at actress Prema, calling himself a fan and joking that she didn’t make them laugh as expected during the event.
Further, Shivakumar underlined that Bengaluru has the best educational ecosystem in the country, and institutions and leaders from across India have a connection with the city. Recalling his meeting with Ratan Tata, he said former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee had laid the foundation stone for the city’s airport and envisioned Bengaluru as the first stop for world leaders.
He also touched upon international investment, noting that iPhone manufacturing moved to Bengaluru because labor costs in the U.S. and China are high, and the local technical skills are superior, creating 50,000 jobs.
Referring to recent Metro protests, he avoided comment but criticized those who use media “for attention.” He mentioned legal challenges around the Shivaram Karanth Layout project, where Rs 7,000 crore has already been invested but litigation continues.
In a pointed message to the lawyers, Shivakumar said, “If you unite, you can bring any party to power or remove them in Bengaluru.”
He concluded by invoking Bengaluru’s foundational leaders — Kempegowda, Kengal Hanumanthaiah, Kuvempu, and S.M. Krishna — stating that forgetting one’s roots hinders growth.
