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Hans India
a day ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Siddaramaiah alleges protocol violation over Sigandur bridge inauguration
Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has expressed his displeasure over what he termed a 'breach of protocol' in the inauguration of the Sigandur Bridge — the state's largest and the nation's sixth-largest cable-stayed bridge. The Chief Minister stated that he was invited late to the July 14 event and had prior commitments in Vijayapura, prompting him to write to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, requesting a change in schedule. The request, however, was not accommodated. Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said, 'We were not consulted prior to scheduling the inauguration. I personally spoke to Minister Gadkari and he agreed to consider rescheduling, but BJP leaders in the state seem to have pushed ahead.' He added that this disregard of protocol was a matter of concern and that no Congress leaders — including local MLAs and ministers — would attend the event as a mark of protest. In his official communication, Siddaramaiah wrote: 'I was not consulted before finalising the Shivamogga National Highway projects' dedication and foundation ceremony on July 14th, despite my name being included. Due to prior commitments in Vijayapura, I have requested Shri @nitin_gadkari to reschedule the event.' Responding sharply to the Chief Minister's statements, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka criticized Siddaramaiah, saying, 'While the people of the Sharavathi backwaters region are celebrating the fulfilment of a 60-year dream, decorating their homes and villages for the bridge inauguration, the Chief Minister is creating unnecessary controversy.' Ashoka further remarked, 'Is this frustration because the Modi-led central government accomplished in one term what Congress couldn't in 60 years? Or did Rahul Gandhi instruct you not to attend the inauguration? When the party high command calls, you rush to Delhi in special flights, but you won't attend a historic inauguration in Karnataka?' Calling Siddaramaiah's comments 'unfortunate,' Ashoka said, 'The people of Karnataka are truly unlucky to have a leader who chooses political point-scoring over joining citizens in a moment of pride.'
The Print
a day ago
- Politics
- The Print
Siddaramaiah takes umbrage at ‘not being invited' for Sigandur bridge inauguration; Gadkari hits back
Siddaramaiah told reporters in Bengaluru later in the day that he wasn't invited for the inauguration. 'I called Nitin Gadkari and he told me he would postpone the event. After that I also wrote a letter. I think the BJP pressured him and they have gone ahead with the inauguration,' he said. The chief minister said he had a prior engagement in Vijayapura. Earlier Monday, Gadkari inaugurated the 2.44-km cable-stayed bridge connecting Kalasavalli and Ambaragodlu. Built at an estimated cost of Rs 473 crore, it is the country's second longest cable-stayed bridge. Bengaluru: Allegations flew thick and fast as Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah accused the Centre of disregarding protocol by not inviting him for the inauguration of Sigandur bridge in Shivamogga, even as Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari maintained that an invite was extended to the chief minister. In the letter he wrote to Gadkari on 11 July, Siddaramaiah said he was not consulted before finalising the state-level programme. Adding, 'As a sign of protest, none of us (from the government), including the PWD minister, district in charge minister or Sagar MLA will not attend the event.' I was not consulted before finalising the Shivamogga National Highway projects' dedication & foundation ceremony on July 14th, despite my name being included. Due to prior commitments in Vijayapura, I have written to Shri @nitin_gadkari requesting the event be rescheduled. — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) July 14, 2025 Gadkari shot back in a post on X, saying an official invite was extended to Siddaramaiah on 11 July. To mitigate any challenges with the chief minister's schedule, another letter was sent on 12 July, requesting his virtual presence, the Union minister said. Adding, 'The Central Government continues to uphold established protocols and has consistently appreciated the contributions and cooperation of the Government of Karnataka and the Chief Minister.' In a major step towards boosting regional connectivity, the inauguration and foundation stone laying ceremony for multiple key infrastructure projects is being held today in Shivamogga, Karnataka. An official invitation was duly extended to the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri… — Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) July 14, 2025 The Congress government in Karnataka has time and again accused the Narendra Modi-led central government of 'step-motherly' treatment towards the state. Siddaramaiah has championed the cause to demand higher share in central taxes and the devolution pool, arguing for a more equitable distribution of taxes collected from the states. The Congress has even used this line of reasoning to justify higher borrowings, besides big-ticket allocations for the party's five poll guarantees which cost the exchequer Rs 52000 crore guarantee each year. 'Even when the state government has contributed 75 percent of the project cost, like in Railways where we give the land and bear 50 percent of the cost, we invite the centre,' Siddaramaiah asserted Monday. From the BJP, the counter also came from former CM B.S. Yediyurappa's elder son B.Y. Raghavendra who is also the BJP MP from Shivamogga. Raghavendra said he invited Siddaramaiah for the inauguration of Sigandur bridge on 9 July. ಈ ರಾಜ್ಯದ ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿಗಳಾದ ಸನ್ಮಾನ್ಯ ಶ್ರೀ ಸಿದ್ದರಾಮಯ್ಯ ಅವರಿಗೆ ಮುಂಚಿತವಾಗಿ ಅಂದರೆ ಇದೇ ತಿಂಗಳ ಜುಲೈ 09 ರಂದು ಅಂಬಾರಗೋಡ್ಲು – ಕಳಸವಳ್ಳಿ – ಸಿಗಂದೂರು ಸೇತುವೆ ಉದ್ಘಾಟನೆಗೆ ನಾನು ಗೌರವಯುತವಾಗಿ ಆಹ್ವಾನ ನೀಡಿದ್ದೇನೆ. ಆದರು ಹಿರಿಯರಾದ ಶ್ರೀ ಸಿದ್ದರಾಮಯ್ಯ ಅವರು ಆಹ್ವಾನ ತಲುಪಿರುವುದು ತಡವಾಗಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕವಾಗಿ… — B Y Raghavendra (@BYRBJP) July 14, 2025 'It is acceptable to engage in mutual politics on various issues. However, making political remarks about the invitation letter reaching in advance, especially concerning a developmental matter, I consider it an insult to the people of the Sharavathi backwater region. I urge you to immediately retract your statement before the people of the state and make an effort to clarify the truth,' he wrote on X. (Edited by Amrtansh Arora) Also Read: After 35 yrs, Congress to revive campus elections in Karnataka to reclaim youth base, counter ABVP & Left
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
CM Siddaramaiah skips opening of Karnataka's longest cable bridge after being invited ‘merely 3 days' in advance
The inauguration of Karnataka's longest–and India's second largest–cable-stayed bridge by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Monday was marred by a war of words between him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who skipped the event in Shivamogga. Constructed at a cost of Rs 423.15 crore, the extradosed cable stay-cum-balanced cantilever bridge is 177 m long and has approach roads from both sides. It connects several villages in Sagar and Hosanagara taluks of Shivamogga district and the popular Sigandur Chowdeshwari temple located in Sagar taluk. The row erupted a day ahead of the inauguration of the bridge, with Siddaramaiah saying that he was not informed about the event in advance–an allegation dismissed by Gadkari. Siddaramaiah shared on X a letter sent to Gadkari. 'I was not consulted before finalising the Shivamogga National Highway projects' dedication & foundation ceremony on July 14th, despite my name being included. Due to prior commitments in Vijayapura, I have written to Shri Nitin Gadkari requesting the event be rescheduled,' he wrote. I was not consulted before finalising the Shivamogga National Highway projects' dedication & foundation ceremony on July 14th, despite my name being included. Due to prior commitments in Vijayapura, I have written to Shri @nitin_gadkari requesting the event be rescheduled. — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) July 14, 2025 For his part, Gadkari wrote on X that an official invitation was extended to Siddaramaiah on July 11, inviting him to preside over the programme. 'In light of any possible scheduling challenges, a subsequent letter was sent on 12th July, requesting his virtual presence. The Central Government continues to uphold established protocols and has consistently appreciated the contributions and cooperation of the Government of Karnataka and the Chief Minister. It remains committed to cooperative federalism and close coordination with all states,' he wrote. In a major step towards boosting regional connectivity, the inauguration and foundation stone laying ceremony for multiple key infrastructure projects is being held today in Shivamogga, Karnataka. An official invitation was duly extended to the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri… — Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) July 14, 2025 Responding to the X post, Siddaramaiah said that neither he nor his office was consulted before the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways finalised the programme and circulated the invitation with his name printed on it. 'In fact, the official invitation was received only on 11th July 2025, merely three days prior to the event. On the same day, my office responded, informing you of my prior commitment to a state-level inauguration of irrigation and development projects at Indi, Vijayapura, and requested that the event be rescheduled. A communication sent just three days in advance, after public invitations have been issued, cannot be construed as due consultation or coordination. True cooperative federalism demands meaningful engagement with State Governments before finalizing public programmes of such importance,' he said, adding that he hoped that future engagement will ensure proper consultation and coordination between the Centre and the states. Your response on the Shivamogga event is noted. However, I wish to place on record that neither I nor my office was consulted before your Ministry finalized the programme and publicly circulated the invitation with my name printed on it. In fact, the official invitation was… — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) July 14, 2025 No representative from the state government attended the inauguration of the bridge, where Union minister Pralhad Joshi and senior BJP leader and former chief minister B S Yediyurappa were among those present. During the inauguration of the landmark bridge, Siddaramaiah, along with his Cabinet colleagues, participated in an event held at Vijayapura to mark 500 crore free bus tickets distributed under the state government's Shakthi scheme for women and laid foundation stones for development projects.
News18
2 days ago
- Politics
- News18
News18 Evening Digest: Jaishankar Meets Chinese Counterpart, Owaisi Rules Out Alliance With INDIA Bloc For Bihar Polls & Other Top Stories
Last Updated: In today's evening digest, News18 brings you the latest updates on EAM S Jaishankar meeting his Chinese counterpart, Bihar assembly elections and other top stories. In today's evening digest, News18 brings you the latest updates on External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar meeting his Chinese counterpart, Bihar assembly elections and other top stories. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, where he highlighted India's zero-tolerance approach against terrorism. Read more 'Switching Off Fuel Is SOP During Engine Failures; AI-171 Crash Report Laughable': Pilot Body Chief Seventy-two hours after the preliminary report on the Ahmedabad Air India plane crash, the outcry over what really went wrong continues. While the western media blames the deceased pilots, the Pilot Association in India has condemned the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) for suggesting that the pilots of Flight AI-171 were responsible for cutting off the fuel to the engine. Read more Pakistan and Turkey or Türkiye are set to enter a new era of security arrangements, defence deals, intelligence sharing and strategic partnership to do jihad against India, according to a top military official. Read more Ahead of the inauguration of infrastructure projects in Karnataka's Shivamogga, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari wrote two letters to the chief minister urging him to join physically or through video. Earlier in the day, Siddaramaiah said he was not consulted before finalising the Shivamogga National Highway projects' dedication and foundation ceremony on July 14, despite his name being included. Read more Did Aggression Get the Better Of Shubman Gill At Lord's? 'Virat Performed Better…' Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has said that captain Shubman Gill looked tentative after he was sledged constantly by the England players on Day 4 of the Lord's Test, especially after his fiery interaction with them at the end of Day 3, comparing it with Virat Kohli's improved performance while being 'angry'. Read more view comments First Published: July 14, 2025, 17:04 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
2 days ago
- Politics
- News18
‘Siddaramaiah ji, Please Join Us': Gadkari Wrote 2 letters To Karnataka CM Ahead of Inauguration
Last Updated: While Siddaramaiah claimed he was not consulted before Shivamogga event, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari wrote 2 letters to Karnataka CM, urging him to join physically or via video Ahead of the inauguration of infrastructure projects in Karnataka's Shivamogga, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari wrote two letters to the chief minister urging him to join physically or through video. Earlier during the day, Siddaramaiah said he was not consulted before finalising the Shivamogga National Highway projects' dedication and foundation ceremony on July 14, despite his name being included. According to Gadkari's office, the letters were sent on July 11 and July 12. He also posted them on social media platform X, highlighting the Centre's commitment to cooperative federalism and coordination with state governments. 'In a major step towards boosting regional connectivity, the inauguration and foundation stone laying ceremony for multiple key infrastructure projects is being held today in Shivamogga, Karnataka. An official invitation was duly extended to the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri @siddaramaiahJi, on 11th July 2025, inviting him to preside over the programme. In light of any possible scheduling challenges, a subsequent letter was sent on 12th July, requesting his virtual presence," Gadkari posted. In a major step towards boosting regional connectivity, the inauguration and foundation stone laying ceremony for multiple key infrastructure projects is being held today in Shivamogga, official invitation was duly extended to the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri… — Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) July 14, 2025 In the first letter, Gadkari 'informed" the CM about the project and 'requested to grace the occasion and preside over the programme". In the second letter, it was added that in case the chief minister is unable to attend the event in person, 'we would be honoured if you could join us through video conferencing". Gadkari on Monday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone and dedicated nine National Highway projects spanning 88 km, with an investment exceeding ₹2000 crore. 'Due to prior commitments in Vijayapura, I have written to Shri @nitin_gadkari requesting the event be rescheduled," Siddaramaiah posted on X. In the letter, Siddaramaiah told Gadkari that it has come to his notice that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways along with National Highway Authority of India is organising the ceremony on July 14. I was not consulted before finalising the Shivamogga National Highway projects' dedication & foundation ceremony on July 14th, despite my name being to prior commitments in Vijayapura, I have written to Shri @nitin_gadkari requesting the event be rescheduled. — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) July 14, 2025 '… and my name has also been printed in the draft invitation card. However, I have not been intimated about this programme in advance, and an inauguration programme of various developmental schemes is already scheduled under my Chairmanship in Indi Taluka, Vijyapura District on the same day," he added. Siddaramaiah suggested that it would have been more appropriate for MoRTH to have consulted with the State Government before scheduling the State Level programmes. 'Therefore, I request you to instruct the department to coordinate with the State Government while organising such programmes. Also, I request you to postpone this programme and provide me with a couple of dates convenient to you, so that I would be able to join you in this significant state level programme," he added. view comments First Published: July 14, 2025, 14:49 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
