CM, ministers boycott inauguration of Shivamogga bridge by Gadkari; claim they were not invited
Shivamogga/Bengaluru, Jul 14 (PTI): Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Monday inaugurated India's second-longest cable-stayed Sigandur bridge in Shivamogga, an event boycotted by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his cabinet colleagues as a mark of protest, claiming they were not invited.
However, Gadkari, in a post on 'X' said, an official invitation was duly 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 July 12, requesting his virtual presence.
He has also posted both the letters addressed to the CM on 'X'.
"None of us is participating. I was not invited. I spoke to Nitin Gadkari over the phone and told him, he said he would postpone. Then I wrote a letter to him. Probably BJP leaders might have put pressure, without telling me anything, they are doing it. I'm not going. I have a pre-scheduled event at Indi. It was scheduled a month ago, I'm going there," Siddaramaiah said on Monday in response to a question.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, he said, "As a mark of protest, none of us are going, neither I nor PWD Minister nor district in-charge Minister or Sagara MLA."
Asked wouldn't it lead to friction between centre and state, the CM said, "They (centre) should invite, right? Who has started the friction? They have started the friction. The protocol has to be followed. The event is being held in our state, we are in a federal system."
Refuting Siddaramaiah's claims, Gadkari in his post also said that 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 added.
The event was attended by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Senior BJP leader B S Yediyurappa, Shivamogga MP B Y Raghavendra, among others.
Taking to 'X', BJP MP Raghavendra said that on July 9 he had respectfully invited the Chief Minister to inaugurate the bridge. However, how reasonable is it that the CM is publicly saying that the invitation has reached him late?
"This bridge, built over the Sharavathi river, is the result of six decades of struggle and the sweat of thousands of people. Not only this, but it is also a reflection of the feelings of thousands of people. I request you not to hurt their feelings," he said.
He expressed that it is okay to politicise each other on various issues.
"But I think it is an insult to the people of the Sharavathi backwaters region to politicise development even after the invitation letter arrives in advance. I urge you to immediately retract your statement before the people of the state and try to tell the truth," he added.
According to officials, the bridge constructed across the Sharavathi backwaters between Ambaragodlu-Kalasavalli in Sagara taluk has been built at a cost of Rs 472 crore.
This bridge is expected to significantly reduce the distance from Sagara to the villages around Sigandur, a place which is known for the Chowdeshwari temple.
The Chief Minister's office on Sunday evening had shared a letter by Siddaramaiah to Gadkari dated July 11, urging him to postpone the event, stating that he was not informed in advance.
Citing his scheduled visit to Indi taluk in Vijayapura district, the CM, in a letter to Gadkari, said it would have been more appropriate for MoRTH to have consulted with the state government before scheduling such a programme, and requested him to instruct the officials in this regard.
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.
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) July 14, 2025
An official invitation was duly extended to the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri… pic.twitter.com/yDPbRdsygd
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Udhayanidhi accuses BJP of not releasing funds for TN
Gobichettipalayam (PTI): Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Saturday charged the BJP government at the Centre with not releasing funds to the state and accused it of "snatching" TN's rights.
Addressing a poll rally at Gobichettipalayam in the western Erode district, the DMK youth wing chief claimed the Centre has not released funds to the tune of Rs 3,000 crore for education.
"They (union government) have snatched all our rights," he charged.
With regard to the Centre's proposal for delimitation, he said chief minister M K Stalin was the first person in the country to raise the voice against the union government's move. He claimed that it was a "huge victory" for the INDIA alliance, as the bill was defeated for lack of majority after the opposition voted against it in the Lok Sabha.
Listing out various welfare measures implemented by the DMK government, he said the existing "Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai" (monthly financial assistance for women) will be doubled to Rs 2,000 if DMK was voted to power again.
The deputy chief minister charged that the BJP and AIADMK have tried to stall it by moving the court. "At present more than 1.3 crore women have benefited from the scheme", he said.
"Similarly, the breakfast scheme for the government school students will be extended till Class VIII", he said adding "more than 35 lakh college students across the state will be getting free laptops once the DMK government is formed".
Udhayanidhi also pointed out at the "Illatharasi" poll promise, providing Rs 8,000 worth of coupons to non-income tax paying women where they could buy or replace any household appliances of their choice.
Elections to 234 Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu will be held on April 23 and the results declared on May 4 following counting of polled votes.
