CM Siddaramaiah seeks appointment with FM Nirmala Sitharaman to discuss NABARD loan "reduction"
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said he has sought an appointment with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to discuss the "reduction" in loan amount to the state this year, from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
The Chief Minister will be travelling to the national capital tonight.
"There is a launch of Nandini products in Delhi, so I'm going. I have also sought appointment with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, because NABARD loan to the state this year has been reduced. Last year, Rs 5,600 crore was given, this year it is Rs 2,340 crore. It has been reduced by 58 per cent," Siddaramaiah said.
Speaking to reporters here, he noted that the NABARD comes under the Finance Ministry. "I will make a request to her."
Asked if he will be meeting the Congress high command during the visit, the CM said: "I will have to return (to state) by tomorrow evening. If I get time, I will meet."
Siddaramaiah is scheduled to launch Nandini dairy products in Delhi on Thursday.
Karnataka Milk Federation markets its dairy products under the Nandini brand.
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Karnataka government accelerates Bengaluru’s Second airport plans, narrows down two locations
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government is speeding up plans for the construction of Bengaluru’s second international airport, with two potential locations now under serious consideration. This comes after growing concerns over delays and increased competition from Tamil Nadu's proposed greenfield airport in Hosur, which is situated just 35 km from Bengaluru.
In August, a study by consulting firm Idec had identified seven possible sites for the new airport. However, political disagreements had stalled progress. Home Minister G Parameshwara had advocated for Tumakuru near his constituency, while Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar pushed for sites in Ramanagara, including Bidadi and Harohalli. Shivakumar's proposal for a skydeck in Hemmigepura also raised concerns about potential conflicts with nearby air traffic zones. The government sought public feedback to address these issues.
With political distractions now resolved, the Infrastructure Department (ID) has confirmed that the site selection process is nearing completion. A detailed proposal is expected to be submitted to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) this week after ID Minister MB Patil returns from election duties.
The project has gained renewed attention as KSR Bengaluru City Railway Station is also set to undergo a ₹1,500-crore makeover, designed to mirror the style and amenities of Kempegowda International Airport, further elevating Bengaluru’s infrastructure plans.
