CM claims BJP inaugurated Sigandur bridge despite assurance to defer event
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru at an event marking the 500 crore free ride under the State's flagship Shakti scheme, Mr. Siddaramaiah said, 'I had spoken to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari over the phone and also written a letter, requesting that the Sigandur bridge event be deferred. Though he had agreed, BJP leaders went ahead without informing me.'
He expressed disappointment over the decision and said that neither he, nor any State minister or local MLA, was present at the inauguration ceremony.
'In protest against the BJP's conduct, no minister from our government or any local MLA participated in the event. The Central Government has triggered this clash by not following protocol. Even for Centrally sponsored schemes, the State plays a role, and protocol must be respected,' the Chief Minister said.
Mr. Gadkari dedicated the cable-stayed bridge constructed across the Sharavati river backwaters in Sagar taluk on July 14. The ₹473-crore project, including the approach roads, has been built by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. He was accompanied by Union Minister of Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi, former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, Shivamogga MP B.Y. Raghavendra, and other BJP leaders.
Mr. Siddaramaiah explained that he could not attend the event due to a prior commitment in Vijayapura district, and accused the BJP of deliberately excluding State leaders from the programme.
Shakti scheme marks milestone
The Chief Minister highlighted the success of the Shakti scheme, which has now recorded over 500 crore free rides by women passengers across Karnataka.
Launched on June 11, 2023, just weeks after the Congress government came to power, the scheme provides free travel to women in non-luxury State-run buses across Karnataka. It is one of the five guarantee schemes announced during the 2023 Assembly elections.
Addressing the media at Windsor Circle in Bengaluru, Mr. Siddaramaiah said, 'This is a historic moment for us. Women have collectively made 500 crore trips under Shakti, making it one of the largest welfare transport schemes in the country.'
The State Government has spent ₹12,614 crore so far to implement the scheme. Of the nearly 25,000 buses operated by State transport corporations, more than 20,000 are available to women passengers under the programme.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the Shakti scheme was not only empowering women, but had become a model for the rest of India. 'The Shakti scheme, which has recorded 500 crore trips, is a model for the entire country,' he said.
To mark the occasion, Mr. Siddaramaiah and Mr. Shivakumar symbolically handed over the 500th crore ticket to women passengers aboard a BMTC bus.
Mr. Shivakumar said, 'Under no circumstance will our government stop the guarantee schemes. These programmes will continue as long as God gives us strength, and the people give us a mandate.'
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