Inauguration of Cable-Stayed Bridge in Karnataka Sparks Controversy

Bridge Inauguration by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari

On July 14, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, inaugurated a cable-stayed bridge over the backwaters of the Sharavathi River in the Sagara taluk of Shivamogga district, Karnataka. This bridge fulfills a long-standing aspiration of the residents of Karuru and Barangi Hobli villages. The locals celebrated the occasion by adorning the bridge with mango leaves.

Present at the inauguration were several dignitaries, including Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, former Minister Kagodu Thimmappa, and Shivamogga MP B.Y. Raghavendra, among other elected representatives.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's Absence

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's Absence from the Event

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his cabinet members boycotted the event in protest, claiming they were not invited. He later accused the central government of serious protocol violations in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Congress leader asserted that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways organized the event in Sagara taluk without consulting the state government and included his name on the invitation without prior notice.

Dispute Over Invitations

Dispute Over Invitations and Attendance

Earlier, Gadkari posted on social media platform 'X' stating that Siddaramaiah was officially invited to preside over the event on July 11. To address any potential challenges, a follow-up letter was sent on July 12, requesting his presence digitally. Gadkari also shared both letters on 'X'.

However, Siddaramaiah responded to a question on Monday, stating, 'None of us will attend because I was not invited. I spoke to Nitin Gadkari on the phone and informed him about this. He mentioned he would postpone the event. I then wrote him a letter. It seems they are doing this without informing me due to pressure from BJP leaders. I will not be attending as I have a pre-scheduled program in Indi.'

Political Tensions Emerge

Political Tensions Emerge Over the Event

The event was scheduled a month in advance, and Siddaramaiah emphasized that no one from his team would attend in protest. He stated, 'Neither I, nor the Public Works Minister, nor the district in-charge minister, nor the Sagara MLA will be present.' When asked if this would lead to a confrontation between the state and central governments, he remarked, 'They should have invited us, right? Who started the confrontation? They did. Protocol must be followed. This event is happening in our state, and we are in a federal system.'

In response to Siddaramaiah's claims, Gadkari refuted them in his post, asserting that the central government has consistently adhered to established protocols and appreciates the contributions and cooperation of the Karnataka government and its Chief Minister. He reiterated the central government's commitment to cooperative federalism and close coordination with all states.

Participation of BJP Leaders

Participation of BJP Leaders at the Inauguration

The event saw participation from Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and senior BJP leader B.S. Yediyurappa, among others. BJP MP Raghavendra stated on 'X' that he had respectfully invited the Chief Minister to the bridge inauguration on July 9. He questioned the appropriateness of Siddaramaiah's public claims about receiving a late invitation, emphasizing that the bridge represents six decades of struggle and the efforts of thousands.

Raghavendra urged the Chief Minister not to hurt the sentiments of the people of the Sharavathi backwater region by politicizing development. He insisted that even after receiving the invitation, politicizing the issue would be an insult to the local populace. He requested Siddaramaiah to retract his statement and strive for honesty.

According to officials, the bridge constructed over the Sharavathi backwaters between Ambergodlu and Kalasavalli cost ₹472 crores. This bridge is expected to significantly reduce the distance for villagers traveling from Sagara to the vicinity of Sigandur, known for the Chowdeshwari Temple. The Chief Minister's office shared a letter Siddaramaiah wrote to Gadkari on July 11, requesting the postponement of the event, citing a lack of prior notification.

In his letter, the Chief Minister highlighted that it would have been more appropriate for the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to consult the state government before planning such an event.