Political war of words erupts in Karnataka Assembly over Metro station funding and CSR contributions
Bengaluru: A heated exchange unfolded in the Karnataka Assembly on Tuesday as Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) D.K. Shivakumar launched a sharp counterattack on BJP MLA Munirathna over the stalled Bettadalsur Metro Station project, suggesting that if Munirathna funded its construction, the station would be named after him.
The Funding Dispute
During the Question and Answer session, Munirathna questioned the government’s decision to halt the station’s construction, citing that Embassy Group had not provided the promised funds. In response, Shivakumar, who also serves as Minister for Urban Development of Bengaluru, defended the CSR-based funding model for metro stations.
"If Munirathna funds the construction of the Bettadalsur Metro Station, I am ready to name that station after Munirathna and Company," Shivakumar declared in the Assembly.
CSR Model and Existing Agreements
Shivakumar explained that Bengaluru allows companies funding metro stations through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to have them named after the company, a model recently praised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He cited examples, including Infosys, which contributed Rs 200 crore for a station named in its honour, and Delta, which also funded a station.
According to Shivakumar, the Embassy Group had agreed to fund the Bettadalsur Metro Station — estimated at Rs 140 crore, with Rs 120 crore coming from the company in exchange for naming rights. However, only Rs 1 crore had been paid so far.
Land Ownership and Accusations
Shivakumar alleged that Munirathna’s demand was driven by personal interest, stating:
"Muniratna has 70–80 acres of land in that area. He wants a metro station next to his land. That is why he has raised this question."
Munirathna countered that the Embassy Group would release the funds within 24 hours if Shivakumar intervened, claiming, "Builders in Bangalore only listen to Shivakumar."
Opposition Leader’s Remarks
Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok intervened, pointing out that an agreement with the Embassy had already been signed, but only Rs 1 crore had been paid. He accused the Deputy Chief Ministers of pressuring the company for the remaining Rs 119 crore.
Shivakumar’s Final Retort
Shivakumar dismissed the need for threats, remarking:
"Why should I threaten? If we want, we can cancel the contract, and if Muniratna pays, we can name it 'Muniratna and Company'."
He contrasted the demands made by local MLA Krishna Byre Gowda and Munirathna, stating that Gowda’s request was based on public interest, whereas Munirathna’s was private interest.
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