Shivakumar: Belagavi dinner with MLAs was personal, not political

• Deputy CM D K Shivakumar dismissed reports of a political dinner meeting with MLAs in Belagavi, stating his visit was personal and driven by affection from party colleagues.
• Shivakumar clarified he attends informal meal invitations from friends and long-time associates as a matter of courtesy, not political intent.
• He cited specific invitations from a boy from his constituency, Asif Sait, Feroze Sait, and former district Congress president Doddannavar.
• Shivakumar also addressed the permitting of cricket matches at Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium, stating the government acted to safeguard the city's reputation.
• Matches were permitted on condition of adequate preventive measures, with Home Minister G Parameshwara tasked with ensuring security arrangements.

Why It Matters: It clarifies a top leader's activities, influencing political narratives.