A political row has erupted between the Karnataka state government and the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah alleged that he was not officially invited for the inauguration of the Sigandur Bridge in Shivamogga, Karnataka. The event, held on July 14, 2025, was attended by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who later issued a public clarification refuting the claim.

According to Gadkari, an official invitation letter was sent to the Chief Minister on July 11, and another follow-up request was issued on July 12, seeking virtual participation in case of scheduling conflicts. The inauguration included the unveiling of India’s second-longest cable-stayed bridge between Ambaragodlu and Kalasavalli, built at a cost of ₹473 crore.

“An official invitation was duly extended to the Chief Minister of Karnataka on July 11, inviting him to preside over the programme. In light of possible scheduling challenges, a subsequent letter was sent on July 12 requesting his virtual presence,” Gadkari posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The Event and the Protocol Row

The Sigandur Bridge inauguration and the foundation stone laying for multiple infrastructure projects were significant events for the region, seen as a key part of India’s ongoing infrastructure development. However, the controversy around Siddaramaiah’s absence overshadowed the day.

Siddaramaiah, addressing the media, said:

“I was not invited. I called Gadkari, and he said he would postpone the event. I also wrote to him. Still, BJP leaders went ahead without consulting me. I had prior commitments in Indi taluk.”

The Chief Minister further expressed dissatisfaction over the exclusion of his ministers, including the PWD Minister, the District In-charge Minister, and the local MLA, from the programme.

“We contribute 75% to some of these projects. Yet, we still invite central leaders out of protocol. Shouldn’t they have done the same? This is against the principles of cooperative federalism.”

DK Shivakumar Backs CM’s Stand

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also came out strongly against the Centre, saying:

“For events of this scale, the CM should be informed at least a month in advance. This bridge and infrastructure package involves over ₹2,000 crore. We should have been taken into confidence.”

He added that politics should be discussed later, but the protocol lapse was real, and state contributions were substantial.

Gadkari’s Defense and Social Media Evidence

In his defense, Gadkari not only released an official statement but also shared the scanned image of the invitation card on X. He reiterated the Centre’s commitment to cooperative federalism and said that the Union Ministry values the contributions of state governments.

“The Central Government continues to uphold established protocols and appreciates the cooperation of Karnataka’s government. We remain committed to federal coordination,” his post read.

Why the Controversy Matters

The protocol breach issue goes beyond a single event. It reflects the ongoing political tension between the BJP-led Centre and Congress-led Karnataka government. The dispute comes at a time when infrastructure cooperation is essential for executing large-scale public projects and ensuring federal harmony.

The Sigandur Bridge, now operational, is a crucial infrastructure element linking remote regions in Shivamogga, and is expected to boost connectivity and economic activities in the region.

Opposition Reacts, Regional Politics Heats Up

The Karnataka opposition BJP, meanwhile, accused Siddaramaiah of trying to politicise a development initiative. Some BJP leaders argued that the CM's absence was deliberate and politically motivated, aimed at undermining the Centre’s infrastructure narrative.

However, observers note that such controversies over invitations and acknowledgments are not new in Centre-State relations. Similar protocol-related flashpoints have occurred during inaugurations of railway lines, airports, expressways, and health centres in the past.

Looking Ahead: Institutionalising Federal Protocols

This controversy reignites the debate over codified norms for protocol in inter-governmental events. With high-value infrastructure projects being implemented in joint partnerships between the Centre and States, experts suggest that there should be mandatory coordination timelines, transparent communication, and joint planning mechanisms.

The question remains: should such disagreements be resolved institutionally rather than politically?

Conclusion

The Sigandur Bridge inauguration, while a landmark for Karnataka’s infrastructure development, has become a flashpoint in Centre-State relations. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari maintains that protocol was followed, while Chief Minister Siddaramaiah remains unconvinced, alleging a lack of consultation and communication.

With the bridge now inaugurated, the broader issue of political cooperation, respect for federal protocols, and coordinated governance continues to dominate the discourse. In an era where public infrastructure depends on seamless collaboration, the challenge remains not in building bridges of concrete—but in building bridges of trust.

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