Karnataka Ministers Express Displeasure Over CM’s Exclusion from Shivamogga Flyover Inauguration

Bengaluru: A political row has erupted in Karnataka after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was notably absent from the inauguration ceremony of a major flyover in Shivamogga, drawing sharp reactions from key members of the state cabinet.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar expressed disappointment over what he termed as a lack of coordination from the central government. He pointed out that such a high-profile event, for which the state government contributed over ₹2,000 crore from the irrigation department, should have included the Chief Minister. Shivakumar emphasized that the CM had even written a letter in advance requesting proper communication about the event, which could have allowed state leadership to participate.

Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara also weighed in, clarifying that the bridge was a joint effort between the Union and state governments. He revealed that Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had been requested by the CM to postpone the event due to scheduling conflicts. However, the event went ahead without the presence of any top state officials.

The absence of CM Siddaramaiah from the inauguration has sparked debate over protocol and cooperation between the Centre and the state. While the flyover itself marks a major infrastructural boost for Shivamogga, the political tension surrounding its launch has overshadowed the achievement.