Siddaramaiah claims not invited to Shivamogga bridge inaugural, Gadkari says invitation was extended
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday said neither he nor his ministers are attending the inauguration of Sigandur bridge and foundation stone laying ceremony of infrastructure projects at Sagara taluk in Shivamogga, which is being attended by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, as a mark of protest, as they were not invited.
However, Gadkari, who is the union minister for Road Transport and Highways 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 are participating, I was not invited, I spoke to Nitin Gadkari over the phone and told him, he said he will 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 here, he said, "As a mark of protest none of us are going, neither me nor PWD Minister nor district in-charge Minister or Sagara MLA."
Asked wouldn't it lead to a friction between centre and state, the CM said, "They (centre) should invite right? Who has started the friction? They have started the friction. Protocol has to be followed. The event is being held in our state, we are in a federal system."
"In Railways and other projects for which the state too contributes, we invite them (central ministers) for the inaugural programmes. As per protocol they should have invited me, PWD Minister, local MLA, district incharge Minister, but none of us were invited. I had called Gadkari after seeing the programme schedule," he added.
Gadkari on Monday inaugurated "Sigandur Bridge", which is said to be India's second-longest cable-stayed bridge between Ambaragodlu-Kalasavalli in Sagara taluk. The bridge has been built at a cost of Rs 472 crore, official sources said.
Gadkari in a post on 'X' said, 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 Siddaramaiah Ji, 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," he said.
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, Gardkari further said,"It remains committed to cooperative federalism and close coordination with all states."
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.
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MEA reports more than 200 Indians enlisted in Russian military since 2022; 26 deaths confirmed
More than 200 Indian nationals have joined the Russian armed forces since 2022, with 26 are confirmed dead, MEA—The Ministry of External Affairs have informed the Upper house of the Parliament: Rajya Sabha.
In a written response, the Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, has stated that at least 202 Indians are reported to have joined the Russian army. Among these recruited personnels, 26 have lost their lives; while, seven individuals have been reported missing by Russian authorities. He added that the remains of two deceased Indian nationals were cremated in Russia.
Singh noted that the sustained diplomatic efforts by the Indian government have led to the early discharge of 119 individuals. He further added that the discussions are going smoothly with the Russians to secure the release of the remaining personnel, with efforts underway to facilitate the early discharge of 50 more Indian nationals.
According to the minister, the Union government is in contact with Russian authorities to ensure the safety, welfare, and prompt return of Indian citizens serving in the Russian army. The issue, he said, is being addressed at multiple levels, including interactions between senior leaders, ministers, and officials of both countries.
The said disclosure was made in response to queries raised by Saket Gokhale, the MP of Trinamool Congress, and Randeep Singh Surjewala, the MP of INC, regarding the number of Indians allegedly recruited into the military service in Russia; Along with the details of deaths and missing persons reported since 2022.
