Karnataka Chief Minister presents 13 pending proposals, appeals to MPs to strive for State’s progress beyond party lines

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar convened a meeting with MPs from the state in New Delhi on Monday, seeking their support in securing Central approval for 13 pending proposals aimed at advancing the state’s infrastructure and development. The gathering marked the first time since taking office that the Chief Minister hosted such a session with state legislators in the national capital. During the meeting, he emphasized the importance of cross-party collaboration to address critical issues facing Karnataka, including drought relief, irrigation projects, and the revival of key infrastructure initiatives. Among the proposals highlighted by the Chief Minister were the Satellite Town Ring Road for Bengaluru, the re-opening of HAL airport for commercial operations, and the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project. These projects are crucial for improving connectivity and economic activity in the region. Additionally, he called upon MPs to assist in obtaining Central clearance for several irrigation and drinking water projects, noting that many dams in the state, excluding the Almatti and Harangi reservoirs, are currently operating at low levels. This has raised concerns over potential shortages of potable water for both human consumption and livestock. In addressing the issue of Cauvery water sharing with Tamil Nadu, Shivakumar mentioned that his counterpart in Tamil Nadu, C. Joseph Vijay, expressed interest in holding discussions with him. He also outlined plans to consult legal experts regarding the Mahadayi project, which faces regulatory challenges. To expedite the processing of pending projects, the Chief Minister announced the formation of a dedicated team at Karnataka Bhavan in Delhi. This team will coordinate with MPs and provide necessary documentation to facilitate faster approvals from the central government. Other proposals requiring attention included the allocation of ₹2186.20 crore from the 15th Finance Commission to panchayats for 2025–26, clearance for 176 projects totaling ₹16,561 crore under the Sagar Mala scheme, and financial assistance of ₹300 crore from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for compensatory afforestation efforts. Additional requests included the transfer of defence lands in Bengaluru and Belagavi, and the continuation of drought relief measures. Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara, who oversees revenue matters, urged all Karnataka MPs to collaborate in ensuring the release of over ₹40,000 crore in pending grants from the Union government. His remarks underscored the urgency of resolving financial bottlenecks that hinder developmental activities across the state. The meeting attracted widespread participation, with Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi, V. Somanna, and Shobha Karandlaje joining the discussion. Notably, prominent BJP leaders such as Basavaraj Bommai and Jagadish Shettar, along with Rajya Sabha member Sudha Murty, commended the initiative, calling it a landmark effort. They noted that the attendance of a large number of MPs across political spectrums reflected the significance of the event and the inclusive approach adopted by the Chief Minister. The outcome of the meeting was characterized as a “major success” by the Chief Minister’s Office, highlighting the positive reception from both ruling and opposition factions. It was noted that the engagement fostered a sense of collective responsibility towards the state’s development, reinforcing the idea that collaborative efforts can yield tangible results. As the Chief Minister and his team continue to engage with relevant authorities, the focus remains on expediting the implementation of critical projects and ensuring sustained growth for Karnataka.