CM Accuses BJP of Rushing Sigandur Bridge Inauguration Despite Assurance to Delay

Swift Summary

• Bridge Inauguration: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the cable-stayed Sigandur bridge across the Sharavati river backwaters in Shivamogga district, Karnataka, on July 14, 2025. The ₹473-crore project was funded and constructed by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

– BJP leaders attended the event, including Pralhad Joshi, B.S.Yediyurappa, and Shivamogga MP B.Y. Raghavendra.
– Chief Minister Siddaramaiah claimed he requested Nitin Gadkari to defer the ceremony but alleged local BJP leaders ignored this agreement.
– Neither Siddaramaiah nor any State minister or local MLA participated in protest over protocol violations.

• Shakti Scheme Milestone: Karnataka’s Shakti scheme for free travel for women passengers completed a milestone of 500 crore rides since its implementation on June 11, 2023.

– The scheme covers over 20,000 non-luxury State-run buses at an expenditure of ₹12,614 crore by the Congress-led State goverment.
– Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar emphasized its success as a model program for women empowerment across India.Images included:

1. Inauguration ceremony attended by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari showing a view of Sigandur bridge connecting Kalasavalli-Ambaragodlu.
2. Women receiving symbolic tickets to mark achievements under Shakti scheme.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The inauguration of Sigandur bridge highlights infrastructural advancement facilitated by Central funding; however, it also showcases ongoing political friction between Karnataka’s Congress-led State government and BJP leaders at both central and regional levels. Allegations from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah regarding protocol breaches underscore broader challenges around cooperative governance between Center and States-especially concerning public projects supported jointly.meanwhile, milestones achieved under welfare schemes like Shakti illustrate evolving priorities focusing on gender inclusivity within public transport systems-a meaningful socio-economic achievement for Karnataka’s Congress management that may set precedence across India. Achieving such large-scale implementation demonstrates commitment to equitable access; however long-term financial sustainability will likely remain a focal point for analysis moving forward.

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