Karnataka CM boycotts Sigandur bridge inauguration over 'delayed invitation' 

The long-awaited Sigandur bridge, Karnataka’s longest inland cable-stayed (hanging) bridge, was inaugurated on Monday by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari.

While the 2.1-km-long bridge built at a cost of Rs 473 crore marks a major milestone in the six-decades-long struggle to connect the Holebagilu and Kalasavalli villages in the Sharavati river backwaters in Sagar taluk, the dedication ceremony became a flashpoint of political friction between the ruling Congress in the state and the BJP-led Centre.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who abstained from the inauguration citing “prior engagements”, said that the Union Minister had "bowed to pressure from local BJP leaders" and held the inauguration though he had initially agreed to postpone the event at his request.

“Neither the Chief Minister, the concerned departmental ministers, nor the local MLAs were invited. No state government representative or local MLA is attending today’s programme in protest,” said Siddaramaiah, speaking to reporters in the state capital, before he left for a state government event in Indi, Vijayapura.

Siddaramaiah also emphasised that the state government had a financial and administrative stake in all the centrally sponsored projects, and accused the Centre of violating protocol by not ensuring state representation.

Meanwhile, Gadkari took to social media to clear the air and asserted that due process was followed in inviting the CM for the July 14 event.

“An official invitation was duly extended to the Chief Minister of Karnataka on July 11, 2025. A follow-up letter was also sent on July 12, inviting him to join virtually in case of scheduling issues.”

Gadkari also reiterated the Centre’s commitment to cooperative federalism and said, "The Central Government continues to uphold established protocols and has consistently appreciated the contributions and cooperation of the Government of Karnataka and the Chief Minister. It remains committed to cooperative federalism and close coordination with all states."

The new bridge is a game-changer for the Malnad region as it replaces the decades-old barge system used by locals and pilgrims heading to the Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple. The project, started in 2018, underwent successful load testing in June 2025, and now drastically cuts travel time between Sagar and Sigandur by 1-2 hours, and connects 40 villages that had lost road connectivity following the construction of Linganamakki reservoir and hydropower plant.

Union minister Prahalad Joshi said, “The project is just magic as Gadkari ji upgraded an ordinary road to a national highway to build this Rs 473 crore bridge. Our Prime Minister has told all his ministers to always complete the project for which they have laid the foundation. Gadkari laid the foundation for this project and within six years, he completed it and has now inaugurated it. Gadkari has set an example since the beginning.”

“More than 20,000 families from 60 villages were displaced in the Sharavathi hydel electricity project. The sacrifices of these people have fuelled the IT, BT and industrial revolution in the state. This bridge is an engineering marvel and has been possible due to Gadkari ji,” said Shivamogga MP BY Raghavendra. 

India