Karnataka CM Thanks PM Modi for Rajyotsava Greetings, Seeks Drought Relief and Action on Sugarcane Farmers’ Demands

The Chief Minister acknowledged the Union government’s investments in national highways, the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway and railway infrastructure, saying these projects had improved connectivity and created fresh opportunities for Karnataka.

In his letter, Shivakumar said he appreciated the Prime Minister’s recognition of Karnataka’s contributions to technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Seeks Meeting With PM Over Drought and Sugarcane Farmers’ Issues

Shivakumar renewed his request for an appointment with Modi to facilitate a meeting between the Prime Minister and an all-party delegation from Karnataka.

The proposed meeting would focus on the drought situation and the demands raised by sugarcane farmers.

He sought the Centre’s intervention for the early release of drought assistance and a favourable decision on farmers’ demands, including revision of the Minimum Selling Price (MSP) of sugar, restoration of the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) base recovery to 9.5 per cent and revision of ethanol prices linked to sugarcane.

The Chief Minister also pointed out that the sugarcane crushing season had already been delayed, leaving farmers awaiting assurances from the Centre.

Special Financial Package Sought for Bengaluru

Highlighting the pressure on Bengaluru’s infrastructure, Shivakumar requested a special financial package for the city.

He said rapid population growth and expanding economic activity had placed considerable strain on roads, public transport and civic infrastructure, making greater central assistance necessary for ongoing and proposed projects.

He also sought the Centre’s support in securing defence land at appropriate prices to help address traffic congestion.

The state government, he added, was regularly engaging with the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on increased financial assistance, housing targets and alternative funding arrangements for public infrastructure projects.

Centre's Approval Sought for Major Irrigation Projects

Shivakumar urged the Prime Minister to expedite clearances and approvals for several pending irrigation projects, including Mekedatu, Kalasa-Banduri, Upper Bhadra, Upper Krishna and Yettinahole.

Describing the Mekedatu project as important for meeting drinking water requirements in southern Karnataka, he said it would facilitate the storage of surplus water while ensuring that Tamil Nadu receives its rightful share.

He also sought central assistance for proposals submitted under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) and the Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP).

On rural drinking water infrastructure, the Chief Minister said Karnataka had achieved 90.61 lakh functional household tap connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission as of September 2026, covering 89.52 per cent of rural households.

He requested the immediate release of pending funds and higher allocations for rural development and drinking water projects, particularly in areas facing water scarcity and quality-related concerns.

Karnataka Reports 35 Per Cent Rainfall Deficit

Drawing attention to the state's drought conditions, Shivakumar said 226 of Karnataka’s 240 taluks had been declared drought-affected following a scientific assessment.

The state received 551 mm of rainfall during the 2026 southwest monsoon against the normal 852 mm, marking a deficit of 35 per cent. He described this as the second-lowest rainfall recorded in 70 years since 1956.

The Chief Minister further stated that 237 taluks had experienced dry spells lasting three or more consecutive weeks, while nearly 11.97 lakh hectares remained unsown against the targeted cultivation area.

He said the state government had released Rs 2,500 to each farmer from its own resources and submitted a memorandum to the Centre seeking interim drought assistance.

AI University and AIIMS for Karnataka

The letter also sought the Centre’s cooperation in establishing an artificial intelligence university in Bengaluru, which Shivakumar described as potentially the first institution of its kind in India and possibly the world.

He reiterated Karnataka’s demand for an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Raichur, stating that it would strengthen healthcare infrastructure and medical education in the Kalyana Karnataka region.

Concluding his communication, Shivakumar said Karnataka was not seeking special privileges but its rightful share, fair treatment and support from the Union government. He emphasised that cooperation between the Centre and the state was essential to meeting the aspirations of the people.

PM Modi Highlights Karnataka’s Contributions

In his October 31 communication, Modi had congratulated the people of Karnataka on Kannada Rajyotsava and highlighted the state's cultural, historical and spiritual heritage.

He also acknowledged Karnataka’s contributions to technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and nation-building.

The Prime Minister referred to several central infrastructure initiatives, including the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway, Bengaluru Metro expansion, railway modernisation, Terminal 2 of Kempegowda International Airport and the HAL Helicopter Factory in Tumakuru.

He had also emphasised the importance of cooperation between the Centre and the state in areas such as water conservation, drought management, cleanliness and sustainable urban development.