Chief Minister Siddaramaiah welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the HAL Airport in Bengaluru | Photo Credit: The Hindu

During his visit to attend a programme at Adichunchanagiri Mutt, PM Narendra Modi was received by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at HAL Airport in Bengaluru on Wednesday, where the Chief Minister submitted an 18-point memorandum outlining the State’s key demands.

“Karnataka has always taken pride in contributing to India’s growth with responsibility and vision. However, recurring delays in approvals and financial releases have created a perception of systematic inequity. Addressing these concerns will reaffirm the spirit of true cooperative federalism and strengthen our shared vision for the development of India,” Siddaramaiah reiterated in the memorandum. 

As per the memorandum, the State requested an early release of a Special Grant of ₹6,000 crore for Bengaluru, among other demands. This is to strengthen infrastructure and sustain the city’s global competitiveness, given its contribution to the national economy.

The State went on to appeal to the Centre to include its decision to provide 56 per cent reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution. It has also demanded that the Centre include certain Other Backward Castes in the Central List of Scheduled Tribes. 

The memorandum urged the Centre to release the pending grants recommended by the 15^th Finance Commission, highlighting the Revenue Deficit Grants of ₹5,495 crore, while demanding a grant of ₹2,860 to Gram Panchayats to sustain rural infrastructure and essential services. 

The memorandum sought to propose the inclusion of the Bengaluru-Mysuru segment in the proposed high-speed rail corridor for balanced regional development and enhanced connectivity. Furthermore, it demanded the release of funds for the Bengaluru Suburban Rail and the launch of Bengaluru-Mumbai high-speed Rail Corridor, helping connect key districts of Kittur and Kalyana in Karnataka. 

The State also requested the release of the announced ₹5,300 crore Central Assistance for the Upper Bhandra Project under the PMKSY-AIBP scheme to provide irrigation to 2.25 lakh hectares of drought-prone areas of Central Karnataka. 

It urged to ensure equitable allocation of 40-45 TMC to Karnataka in the Inter-Linking of Rivers (ILR) Schemes.

The memorandum further urged to gazette the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II and declare the Upper Krishna Project (Stage-III) as a National Project to help enable utilization of Karnataka’s 173 TMC allocation, benefiting drought-prone northern districts and accelerating irrigation to lakhs of farmers.

In regard to Jal Jeevan (JJM), the government sought the release of the pending share of 17,554 from the centre and resolution of policy issues. 

The State also asked to direct the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Central Water Commission to expedite appraisal and approval of the Mekedatu Drinking Water Project. This envisages 67 TMC storage for Bengaluru’s drinking water, regulated releases to Tamil Nadu, and 400 MW hydropower, in line with CWMA referral and the Supreme Court’s judgment.

The Karnataka government has also urged the Union government to sanction and implement the pending National Highway projects, suggesting that there have been no major NH projects in the last 12 years despite the State’s significant contribution to the national economy. 

It further demanded dedicated financial support of ₹5,000 crore annually for the development of the Kalyana-Karnataka region, while demanding the establishment of a Public Sector Undertaking in each district of North Karnataka. 

The Sharavathy Pumped Storage Project (2000 MW), for which Expedited Forest, Environmental, and Wildlife clearances were requested. This will enhance grid stability and the nation’s renewable energy goals. 

(report filed by BL intern Adithya Lalgudi)

Published on April 15, 2026