Page 2 - Siddaramaiah

Karnataka plans ascent into India's space orbit with $22 billion target

State eyes $3 bn in investment and a 50% national share as it ramps up upstream, downstream activities

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah meets PM, insists on sugarcane price, AIIMS

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and insisted on demands pertaining to the state, including on Fair Recovery Price of sugarcane, AIIMS for Raichur, the release of flood relief among others. His demand on sugarcane price came in the wake of farmers' protest in the north Karnataka demanding an increase in the cane procurement price. The chief minister highlighted several long-standing demands of the state, including the release of over Rs 2,100 crore in flood relief, and the clearance of crucial irrigation projects in his memorandum to Modi. "The meeting, which comes amid ongoing state concerns over central fiscal devolution and disaster funding, covered five critical areas outlined in the document submitted to the PM," a statement issued by the chief minister's office said on Monday. In his memorandum to the prime minister, Siddaramaiah sought a sustainable solution to the sugarcane pricing crisis. "Following recent farmer agitations, the state

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah to meet PM Modi today, to discuss farmers' issue

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday. According to the CM's travel plan shared with the media, he is expected to land in Delhi at 1:30 pm. The meeting is likely to take place at 5 pm, according to official sources. Siddaramaiah is scheduled to depart for Bengaluru at 7 pm. During the meeting with the Prime Minister, the CM is likely to discuss the sugarcane farmers' issue and pending approvals for Mahadayi and Mekedatu water projects, official sources said. Siddaramaiah, on November 6, had written to the PM, seeking an appointment to discuss the sugarcane farmers' issue, amid their protest demanding a higher price of Rs 3,500 per tonne for their produce. In the letter, he had claimed that the root of the problem lies in central policy levers: the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) formula, the stagnating Minimum Support Price (MSP) for sugar, export curbs, and the under-utilised ethanol off take from sugar-b

Lokayukta files status report in MUDA case against CM Siddaramaiah

Karnataka Lokayukta filed a status report in trial court on Saturday in connection with the investigation into the alleged irregularities in allocation of MUDA land parcels to CM Siddaramaiah's family. The City Civil and Sessions Court on Saturday heard proceedings in the private complaint filed by activist Snehamayi Krishna against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah with regard to the charges. The complaint accuses the chief minister and others of alleged irregularities in the allotment of Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) sites to members of the CM's family. When the matter was called, the complainant appeared in person. The Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) representing the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the SPP appearing for the Lokayukta were also present. During the brief hearing, the Lokayukta's SPP submitted a status report on the ongoing probe into the MUDA-related allegations. A copy of the report was handed over to the complainant. The prosecutor informed the court tha

Panel to probe lapses after videos show special treatment in Bengaluru jail

The BJP in Karnataka on Monday staged a demonstration here demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah after videos purportedly showing inmates, including a terror accused, getting "special treatment" at the Bengaluru central jail, surfaced. The party has also sought a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the incident, calling it a "serious security lapse". The party leaders, including BJP state president B Y Vijayendra, Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly and Council R Ashoka and N Chaluvaraya Swamy were later taken into preventive custody at Shivananda Circle during their march towards the Chief Minister's office residence in the city. Holding placards and posters, the party members took out a march to Siddaramaiah's office-residence 'Krishna'. Speaking to reporters, Vijayendra claimed that the royal treatment given to the prisoners indicates rampant corruption in the prison department and the nexus between jail officials and criminals. Allegin

Centre to allow 1.5 mn tonnes sugar exports, scrap 50% molasses duty

Sources in the sugar industry said the food ministry has decided to allow exports of 1.5 million tonnes of sugar in 2025-26, but a final nod from a high-powered group of ministers is still awaited

Siddaramaiah accuses BJP of vote theft, says PM ruined independent agencies

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday alleged that after Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, he "destroyed all constitutional and independent institutions in the country" and made them, including the Election Commission, subordinate to the central government. Claiming that the BJP has proved itself to be "experts in vote theft", the CM accused the saffron party of coming to power at the centre and in several states through such means. He was speaking after announcing that the Congress party has gathered more than 1.12 crore signatures against 'vote theft' in the state as part of its signature campaign. "We call BJP experts in lying; they are not just experts in lying, lies are their home deity. They are not just limited to it. They have proved that they are experts in vote theft. Vote theft has become their profession," Siddaramaiah said. "BJP in recent years, through vote theft, have won Lok Sabha and Assembly polls and has come to power at the Centre and in several .

Karnataka sugarcane price fixed at ₹3,300 per tonne, says CM Siddaramaiah

With farmers' protesting in the northern districts of Karnataka, demanding a fair price for their produce, the Karnataka government has decided to fix the price Rs 3,300 per tonne of sugarcane, yielding a recovery of 11.25 per cent, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Friday. The CM also appealed to protesting sugarcane farmers to cooperate accepting the new price, and withdraw the agitation. Sugarcane farmers' protest at Gurlapur Cross in Mudalagi taluk of Belagavi district demanding a procurement price of Rs 3,500 per tonne of sugarcane entered ninth day on Friday. It has also spread across various parts of north Karnataka districts like Belagavi, Bagalkote, Vijayapura, Haveri among others. With the protest intensifying, CM Siddaramaiah called for a meeting with farmer leaders and representatives of sugar factories on Friday. "The Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Superintendent of Police (SP) of Belagavi district had offered Rs 3,100 per tonne of sugarcane yielding a recovery of 10.2

Centre neglects Kannada, imposes Hindi, says Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday accused the Centre of neglecting Kannada and imposing Hindi. He also called upon people of the state to oppose those who are 'anti-Kannada'. "The federal government is meting out step-motherly treatment to Karnataka," Siddaramaiah said during his address on the occasion of the state foundation day (Rajyotsava Day) here in the state capital. He charged that the state provides Rs 4.5 lakh crore revenue to the Centre, but it is denied its rightful share and is given a paltry amount in return. Stating that injustice is being done to Kannada language, the chief minister said, "There are continuous attempts to impose Hindi. Grants are given for the development of Hindi and Sanskrit while other languages of the country are being neglected." He also said that Karnataka is denied funds for the development of the state. "Injustice is being done to the classical language Kannada by denying adequate funds for its growth. We have to oppose all

BJP hits out at CM Siddaramaiah after KSTDC promotes Wayanad travel package

The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation's (KSTDC) social media post promoting Wayanad in neighbouring Kerala as a tourist destination has drawn criticism from opposition BJP, which has hit out at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, calling it "high command appeasement" to save chair. Congress top leader Priyanka Gandhi is the Member of Parliament from Wayanad. The KSTDC's post on 'X' on October 28, promoting its two-night and three-day tour package to the hill station said, " Seeking thrill or tranquillity? Find both in Wayanad! Trek scenic trails, chase waterfalls & meet the wild with KSTDC. Your perfect nature escape awaits." Reacting to this, BJP leader and Leader of Opposition in Assembly, R Ashoka asked Siddaramaiah as to how long will Karnataka tolerate a Chief Minister who behaves like "Wayanad's District Collector and fund raiser"? "You (Siddaramaiah) signed off Rs 10 crore of Karnataka taxpayers' money to Wayanad at lightning speed. You gave away Rs 15 lakhs to the ..

Karnataka HC stays state order on govt lands seen as restricting RSS events

Justice M Nagaprasanna passed an interim order staying the directive and scheduled the next hearing for November 17

Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw meets CM Siddaramaiah, deputy CM on Diwali

Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw on Tuesday met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar and greeted them on the occasion of Diwali, official sources said. Shaw has been critical of Bengaluru's infrastructure woes by highlighting them through her social media posts, and has been repeatedly urging the state government to intervene. "Biocon chief Kiran Muzumdar-Shaw visited Cauvery (CM's official residence) and wished Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Diwali. Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti was present on the occasion," the CM's office said in a statement. Shah met Shivakumar at his Sadashivanagar residence in Bengaluru, the Deputy CM's office said. The state government has come under criticism over the poor state of roads and traffic issues in the city for some time now, with industry veterans like former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai and Shaw repeatedly openly urging the state government to immediately intervene. Faced with mounting criticism from industry

BJP accuses Karnataka govt of 'tax chori' over Bengaluru grievances

In an apparent counter to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's "vote chori" barb centered around Karnataka, the state BJP on Tuesday levelled "tax chori" allegation against the party-led government following a citizens forum's recent grievance aired to the state Chief Minister. BJP leader R Ashoka accused the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government of "tax Chori" (tax theft) and said Bengaluru deserves action to address its infrastructure woes, not excuses and intimidation. Ashoka, the Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, attacked the government by highlighting a citizens forum's letter urging Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to intervene and direct the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) not to collect property tax from residents, complaining that "unscientific and incomplete" civic works in their locality have led to flooding and poor road conditions. Ashoka's tax theft allegation is also seen as a counter to Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi's "vote chori" (votes theft) charge made against t

Sudha, Narayana Murty mistaken on Karnataka survey, says CM Siddaramaiah

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said Infosys founder N R Narayana Murthy and author Sudha Murty have "some misconceptions" about the ongoing social and educational survey being conducted in the state. "There is a notion that this is a survey for backward castes," Siddaramaiah told reporters here. "It is not a backward classes survey. Let them write whatever they want. People should understand what this survey is about. What can I do if they are unable to understand?" he said. The chief minister's remarks came after the Murthys declined to take part in the survey, noting on the pro forma that they do not belong to backward communities. "Should Infosys (founder) mean Brihaspati' (intelligent)? We have said 20 times it's not a backward classes survey but a survey for everyone," Siddaramaiah said. He said the government had launched welfare schemes such as Shakti, which offers free bus rides to women in non-luxury government buses, and Gruha Lakshmi, which provides Rs

Karnataka govt approves Bengaluru Business Corridor; to cut traffic by 40%

The project, which was previously known as the Peripheral Ring Road, has now been renamed as Bengaluru Business Corridor and is expected to be completed within two years

Bengaluru pothole filling picks up pace after residents' tax warning

The Individual Tax Payers Forum wrote a letter to the Karnataka CM, urging the govt to stop the Greater Bengaluru Authority from collecting tax if they were not provided with good public infra

Karnataka CM orders review of TN's ban on RSS activities in govt spaces

The move comes after Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge urged CM Siddaramaiah to bar RSS activities in government schools, colleges, and state-owned temples

Karnataka schools to remain closed from October 8-18 for 'caste survey'

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has declared a holiday for govt and govt-aided schools from Oct 8 to Oct 18, 2025, allowing teachers involved in the ongoing 'caste survey' to complete their work

Lingayats renew demand for separate religion status at Basava event

The Lingayat community, led by several of its seers, has renewed its call for a separate religion status. The demand came at the valedictory function of 'Basava Culture Campaign-2025' organised by "Lingayat Matadeeshara Okkoota". Among the five resolutions adopted at the function on Sunday are raising awareness about religious recognition for Lingayats. "All Lingayats are Indians first. Lingayat religion is the religion of Kannada. Country comes before religion. Always strive for the unity of the country with national consciousness," said the resolution. Noting that Lingayat religion is the greatest religion founded by Mahatma Basaveshwara and other Sharanas in the 12th century, it said, "Geographically, we are all Hindus. Continue to raise awareness for religious recognition so that Lingayats get government benefits and reservation facilities like Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs." Claiming that Lingayat religion is the true religion of equality, brotherhood, and human values, it said,

Caste census tech issues resolved, survey to speed up now: CM Siddaramaiah

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said the technical issues affecting the Social and Educational Surveywidely referred to as the "caste census"have "almost been sorted out", and that the survey will now proceed in a full-fledged manner. He asserted that the survey would be completed within the stipulated period and stressed that there would be no extension. Concerns have been raised over the "slow pace of the survey", with technical glitches and server issues affecting data collection. Siddaramaiah chaired a video-conference meeting with ministers, senior officials, Backward Classes Commission Chairman Madhusudan R Naik, Deputy Commissioners (DCs), and Zilla Panchayat CEOs of all districts. The survey, being conducted by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, began on September 22 and is scheduled to continue until October 7. "The survey work started on September 22 and will be completed by October 7. There are some technical issues, all of which have t