Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday called for unity among south Indian states, saying their collective strength and talent could play a key role for the country to emerge as an economic powerhouse.

Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, Shivakumar said Karnataka's talent pool and Bengaluru's position as a global technology hub were among the state's biggest strengths.

"If the prime minister wants to turn the country into an economic powerhouse, it is only possible if the south Indian states, including Karnataka, stand united. The talent and potential we possess is extraordinary," he said.

Shivakumar said he had conveyed Karnataka's requirements to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent visit to Mysuru and highlighted the state's historical development and talent pool.

He also appealed to the members of the ruling party and the Opposition to work together in the interest of Karnataka.

"Power should not be misused in politics. Everyone is vital to the state's interest. We need criticism from the Opposition as well as advice from our own people. Let us all work together for the state's welfare. Both sides' goal is the same: public service," he said.

On the proposed Bidadi township project, Shivakumar said he was open to discussions and noted it was the vision of former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy.

"You suggested discussing the Bidadi issue. That is welcome. My nature is not to cause trouble. I agree with Kumaraswamy's previous decision regarding Bidadi Township," he said.

He said Kumaraswamy had envisaged five townships, including Bidadi, and argued that large-scale urban development was necessary to address Bengaluru's growing needs.

Referring to projects such as Electronic City, ITPL and the NICE Road, Shivakumar said several major infrastructure projects had involved acquiring farmers' land but had contributed to Bengaluru's development.

"Let us take action against any flaws in the project," he said.

He cited development initiatives in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh and said Karnataka too needed to think along similar lines.

Shivakumar said Bengaluru's population had grown sharply since the time of former chief minister Kengal Hanumanthaiah and stressed the need to provide adequate space and water for the city's expanding population.

"Today, Bengaluru's population has reached 15 million, with 14 million vehicles. Space and water must be provided for all these people," he said.

The CM said providing water to Bengaluru remained a major challenge and the government was working on measures to improve water availability and recharge groundwater.

He said the government was developing around five to six lakes, including Hesaraghatta, Hoskote and Tippagondanahalli, for groundwater recharge.

He also thanked members for their support on the Cauvery issue and appealed for collective efforts to address the city's water problems.

Shivakumar said Bengaluru had a large concentration of IT professionals, doctors, paramedical personnel and people from across the country and the world.

"Bengaluru has 2.6 million IT professionals and 2 lakh foreign passport holders. Many are running medical colleges, and 13,940 doctors are being trained here annually alongside one lakh paramedical staff," he said.

He said the government should formulate policies to retain and support the talent available in the state.

Shivakumar also said Karnataka's 350-km coastline had significant tourism potential and cited Kerala and Goa as examples of states that had successfully developed their coastal regions.

He said a separate tourism policy was being formulated for Karnataka.

The CM said his government would continue useful initiatives undertaken by previous administrations, irrespective of political differences.

"Ours is a continuation of Siddaramaiah's government, but we have fresh ideas. We will continue the vision of past CMs like Kumaraswamy, Yediyurappa and Bommai without abandoning them," he said.

He said the government would carry forward Union Minister Kumaraswamy's Bidadi project and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda's NICE project, while correcting any shortcomings.

Responding to BJP MLA Sunil Kumar's remark that members of Shivakumar's own party could oppose such plans, the chief minister said he was more interested in creating history than merely recording it.

"I do not care to read or write history; I am more interested in creating history. I will make every possible effort. Nothing is easy," he said.

Shivakumar said the government was also working to make public services more accessible and announced plans to give a new shape to the 'Praja Seve' (Public Service) initiative.

He said the objective was to take government services to the doorstep of people who could not visit the Vidhana Soudha.

"The Constitution works well when it is implemented properly. I will not use my power against anyone. In power, we can make either more friends or more enemies. I prefer to make friends," he said.

Calling for constructive criticism and solutions, Shivakumar said political criticism would eventually fade but the work done for the people would remain. "Criticisms die, but works remain," he said.

He urged both the ruling party and Opposition to prepare a blueprint for Karnataka's development over the next 25 years and said first-time MLAs too could contribute fresh ideas.

"We cannot claim that only we are wise. We live in a time where children teach their teachers. Let us remain aware that the world is watching Karnataka and Bengaluru," he said.