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Karnataka CM Seeks New Date for NH Ceremony

2025-07-17

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has written to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, requesting a rescheduling of the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Shivamogga National Highway project, originally planned for 14 July 2025.

In his letter, the Chief Minister expressed disappointment over not being consulted prior to the scheduling of the event, despite his name featuring on the draft invitation. Siddaramaiah noted he had prior commitments, including an inauguration of various development schemes in Indi Taluka, Vijayapura district, on the same day.

“I have not been informed in advance of this programme, and as I am presiding over another significant event on that day, I would not be able to attend,” he stated.

He urged Minister Gadkari to instruct the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to coordinate with the state government when planning such events in future. The Chief Minister stressed that it would have been “more appropriate” for the Ministry to have consulted the state before finalising a date for a state-level event.

The letter further requested the postponement of the event and asked for alternative dates convenient to the Union Minister to ensure the Chief Minister’s presence at the important ceremony.

The event is being jointly organised by MoRTH and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) at Nehru Field in Shivamogga district.