Bengaluru, 5 November

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking a special financial package for Bengaluru's infrastructure development, expedited drought relief for the State, and the Centre's intervention to address sugarcane farmers' demands.

Shivakumar’s letter dated 4 November was written in response to Modi's greetings on Karnataka Rajyotsava. Shivakumar thanked Modi for acknowledging Karnataka’s rich history and culture, and said he was looking forward to the Prime Minister inaugurating Namma Metro’s Pink Line on 13 November. 

“Karnataka has always stood at the forefront of India's growth and progress,” Shivakumar stated. “We are not asking for special privileges. We are seeking our rightful share”. 

Seeking greater Central assistance for Bengaluru, he said the City's growing population and economic activity had placed enormous pressure on its roads, public transport and civic infrastructure.

MEKEDATU AND PENDING DAMS 

Shivakumar urged the Centre to expedite approvals and financial assistance for pending irrigation projects, including Mekedatu, Kalasa-Banduri, Upper Bhadra, Upper Krishna and Yettinahole.

Shivakumar said that the proposed Mekedatu dam was “vital” for meeting the drinking water needs of Southern Karnataka, just days after he said that water from the dam would be used for irrigation for farmers in Mandya and nearby regions. 

He also argued that the dam on the Cauvery would allow Karnataka to ensure it can release an adequate amount of water to Tamil Nadu and said that “We firmly believe that this project can move forward through mutual understanding and cooperation between the two neighbouring states.”

Shivakumar also urged the Centre to release pending funds under the Jal Jeevan Mission and sought higher allocations for rural development and drinking water projects.

SUGARCANE 

Shivakumar also urged the Prime Minister to hike the MSP for sugarcane, noting that it has been unchanged at Rs 31/kg since February 2019, and to review the 22 October 2026 ethanol directive and revise ethanol prices for sugarcane juice and B-heavy molasses, unchanged since 2022-23. He also sought a separate MSP for domestic and commercial sugar.

Sugarcane farmers demand a price based on the production cost + 50 per cent formula recommended by the National Commission on Farmers and to restore the base recovery rate for Fair and Remunerative Price to 9.5 per cent, requiring Central intervention.