NEW DELHI: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah has asked Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari to postpone the inauguration of key infrastructure projects in Shivamogga, saying he was not consulted or officially informed about the July 14 event, despite his name appearing on the draft invitation. In response, Gadkari said the chief minister had been duly invited on July 11, and a follow-up letter was sent offering the option to join virtually.In a letter, Siddaramaiah said he was neither consulted nor officially informed about the event, despite his name appearing on the draft invitation card issued by the ministry.“It has come to my notice that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways along with National Highway Authority of India is organising ‘Dedication to Nation and Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony’ Programme on 14th of July, 2025 in Nehru Field, Sagara Taluk, Shivamogga District, and my name has also been printed in the draft invitation card. However, I have not been intimated about this programme in advance,” the CM wrote.He pointed out that he is already scheduled to preside over an inauguration programme in Indi taluk of Vijayapura district on the same day. “It would have been more appropriate for MoRTH to have consulted with the State Government before scheduling the State Level programmes,” he said.Siddaramaiah also requested Gadkari to direct officials in his ministry to coordinate such events with the state government in future. “Also, I request you to postpone this programme and provide me a couple of dates convenient to you, so that I would be able to join you in this significant state level programme,” he added.

Govt remains committed to cooperative federalism: Gadkari

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari responded to Siddaramaiah’s letter by stating that an official invite had been sent to the Karnataka chief minister on July 11, with a follow-up on July 12 suggesting virtual participation if needed. He reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to cooperative federalism and coordination with state governments. “An official invitation was duly extended to the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri @siddaramaiah Ji, on 11th July 2025, inviting him to preside over the programme. In light of any possible scheduling challenges, a subsequent letter was sent on 12th July, requesting his virtual presence,” Gadkari wrote in a post on X sharing the two letters.The Centre is slated to inaugurate the 2.44-km-long Sigandur Bridge, said to be the second-longest cable-stayed bridge in India, built at a cost of Rs 473 crore.The issue has sparked discontent within the Congress. Karnataka minister Madhu Bangarappa, who oversees the Shivamogga district, on Sunday told reporters that even he had not received an official invite. “I feel that the chief minister has been disrespected by the central government,” he said.