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Siddaramaiah Appeals to Modi Over Sigandur Bridge Inauguration Protocol

Siddaramaiah has written to Prime Minister Modi alleging a breach of protocol after he was reportedly sidelined at the bridge’s dedication

Overview

  • On July 14, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the 2.44 km, ₹473 crore Sigandur cable-stayed bridge in Shivamogga without any Karnataka ministers in attendance.
  • Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his cabinet boycotted the event, saying they received the first formal invitation only three days beforehand and had prior state-level commitments.
  • The Centre published letters dated July 11 and 12 showing that Siddaramaiah was invited in person and offered a virtual participation option.
  • On July 15, Siddaramaiah escalated the dispute by writing to Prime Minister Modi, demanding a formal apology and accusing the Centre of undermining cooperative federalism.
  • Despite the fallout, both governments insist on cooperation even as the new bridge — replacing a six-decade-old ferry service — is poised to benefit more than 40 villages across the Sharavathi backwaters.