Bengaluru, Nov 4: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday urged the people of Bihar to vote for Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan) Chief Ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav, emphasizing the need for political change in the poll-bound state.
“To bring about change in Bihar, I have appealed to voters to support the Mahagathbandhan and ensure Tejashwi Yadav becomes the Chief Minister,” Shivakumar said while speaking to the media on the sidelines of the Kaushalya Summit 2025 in Bengaluru.
Responding to queries about his letter seeking paid leave for Bihari voters employed in Karnataka, the Congress leader said, “Voting is the foremost right in a democracy. Every citizen must exercise their franchise. As Congress state president, I have appealed to all organizations to grant paid leave to Bihari workers so that they can cast their votes.”
Shivakumar expressed confidence in the RJD-Congress alliance, stating, “The people of Bihar want change, and that is why we are confident. This sentiment reflects the mood across the country.”
When asked about special train arrangements for voters, he said, “I will not comment on that. It is sufficient if Bihari workers get paid leave to go and vote.”
He praised the contribution of Bihari workers in Karnataka, saying, “They are part of our development story. We are proud of their hard work and will support them in forming associations to represent their community, similar to those from other states.”
In an official statement, Shivakumar appealed to companies, contractors, hotel owners, and industrialists across Karnataka to grant at least three days of paid leave to enable Bihari workers to participate in the Bihar Assembly elections scheduled for November 6 and 11.
“I request employers to facilitate their workers’ participation in the democratic process,” he said.
