Divide Over Bridge? Centre Fact-Checks Karnataka Chief Minister

A flashpoint has erupted Karnataka's Congress-led government and the BJP-led Centre-this time over protocol, politics, and power.  Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has accused Union Minister Nitin Gadkari of bypassing him on the inauguration of the Sigandur bridge, even writing to request postponement of the event. The Centre, however, hit back with proof of two letters inviting the CM-insisting he was not only informed but also offered a virtual participation option. The spat comes as Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar camped in Delhi ast week to address internal issues and also to seek central support for major infrastructure projects-from tunnel roads in Bengaluru to a defence corridor and airshow permissions. The visit, which includes meetings with top Congress leadership, has reignited talk of a possible leadership reshuffle in Karnataka. While the Congress calls the speculation "media-fuelled," the BJP has alleged horse-trading and claimed that internal Congress cracks are deepening. This mix of policy requests, political manoeuvring, and escalating mistrust between Bengaluru and Delhi reveals a deeper fault line in centre-state ties-especially when governments are run by rival parties.

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