Siddaramaiah Writes to PM Modi, Flags 18 Key Issues Seeking Urgent Central Intervention for Karnataka
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has submitted a detailed memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, outlining 18 key issues that require urgent intervention from the Union Government, while emphasizing the State’s significant contribution to India’s economic growth and its commitment to cooperative federalism.
In his letter, the Chief Minister extended a warm welcome to the Prime Minister to Karnataka, describing the State as a leader in information technology, manufacturing, agriculture, and services. He highlighted Karnataka’s role as a major contributor to the national exchequer and a driver of inclusive development. However, he pointed out that several long-pending issues continue to hinder the State’s progress and require immediate attention from the Centre.
Among the major demands, Siddaramaiah urged the revival of the long-pending Railway Coach Factory project at Kolar, for which the State has already allocated over 1,100 acres of land. He also sought the inclusion of the Bengaluru–Mysuru stretch in the proposed high-speed rail corridor to improve regional connectivity.
The memorandum called for the early release of central funds for the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project and the initiation of the Bengaluru–Mumbai High-Speed Rail Corridor, which is expected to boost connectivity across key regions of the State.
On water and rural development, the Chief Minister requested the release of ₹17,554 crore under the Jal Jeevan Mission and ₹2,860 crore in pending grants recommended by the 15th Finance Commission for Gram Panchayats. He stressed that timely disbursal of these funds is essential for strengthening rural infrastructure and ensuring access to safe drinking water.
Highlighting infrastructure concerns, Siddaramaiah noted that Karnataka has not received any major new National Highway projects in the past 12 years, despite its substantial contribution to the national economy. He also sought the release of ₹5,495 crore in revenue deficit grants and a special grant of ₹6,000 crore for Bengaluru to maintain its global competitiveness.
The Chief Minister placed strong emphasis on key irrigation and water projects, including the Mekedatu Drinking Water Project, seeking expedited approvals from the Centre. He also urged the release of ₹5,300 crore for the Upper Bhadra Project and its declaration as a National Project, along with the gazette notification of the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II award and national status for the Upper Krishna Project.
Further, the memorandum called for wildlife clearance for the Kalasa Nala Diversion Project under the Mahadayi dispute, and equitable water allocation for Karnataka under inter-linking of rivers projects such as the Godavari–Cauvery link.
On social justice, Siddaramaiah requested the inclusion of Karnataka’s 56% reservation policy in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution and the addition of certain backward castes to the Central list of Scheduled Tribes.
The Chief Minister also sought dedicated annual financial support of ₹5,000 crore for the Kalyana Karnataka region under Article 371(J), along with the establishment of public sector units in North Karnataka districts.
Additionally, he pushed for expedited clearances for the 2,000 MW Sharavathy Pumped Storage Project and the establishment of an AIIMS in Raichur to improve healthcare access in backward regions.
Siddaramaiah noted that delays in approvals and fund releases have created a perception of systemic inequity and urged the Union Government to address these concerns to uphold the spirit of cooperative federalism. He expressed confidence that timely intervention by the Centre would enable Karnataka to continue playing a transformative role in India’s growth story.
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