Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has written an extensive letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, thanking him for his affectionate Rajyotsava greetings and seeking his personal intervention on a host of critical issues concerning Karnataka, including the severe drought situation, long-pending irrigation projects, Bengaluru’s infrastructure needs, and the sugarcane farmers’ crisis.
In his letter, Shivakumar expressed heartfelt thanks for the Prime Minister’s gesture in remembering Karnataka’s history, culture, language and the contributions of Kannadigas to nation-building. “Your affectionate remembrance is a matter of pride for every Kannadiga. Your affection and appreciation for our land has brought joy to Kannadigas,” he said.
Karnataka’s Legacy And Bengaluru’s Role:Shivakumar noted that Karnataka is a land where history, culture, knowledge and enterprise have come together to shape a remarkable legacy. The teachings of Basavanna, the literary vision of Kuvempu and the contributions of countless thinkers, reformers and visionaries continue to inspire generations. The State takes immense pride in this heritage and remains committed to carrying its values forward while building a progressive and inclusive future.
He said he was particularly pleased that PM acknowledged Karnataka’s contribution to technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. Bengaluru has become a global symbol of India’s talent and capabilities. The success of the city is not merely Karnataka’s achievement but a matter of pride for entire nation. The State Government is committed to strengthening this legacy through investments in education, research, innovation and infrastructure, while ensuring benefits reach every region.Appreciating Union Government’s investments in national highways, Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway and railway infrastructure, he said these have strengthened connectivity and created new opportunities. State is also making sustained efforts to improve roads, public transport, urban infrastructure and regional connectivity.
Shivakumar said he was happy that PM will visit Karnataka to inaugurate Pink Line of Namma Metro and warmly welcomed him on behalf of people of Karnataka. He said Bengaluru’s growing population and economic activity have placed enormous pressure on roads, public transport and civic infrastructure.Though State Government is making sustained efforts, scale of requirements calls for greater support. He requested Union Government to extend special financial package and necessary assistance for Bengaluru’s infrastructure development. “The city that has contributed so much to India’s growth deserves the infrastructure and support it needs to grow further,” he said.
He said State is in regular communication with Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for increased financing, housing targets and newer ways of financing public projects. Further, discussions are on with Ministry of Defence for allotment of useful parcels of defence land at appropriate pricing to address traffic congestion.
Mekedatu And Other Irrigation Projects:Drawing PM’s attention to flagship Mekedatu project, Shivakumar said it is vital to meeting drinking water needs of Southern Karnataka. It will help store water during surplus periods and use it for drinking water requirements, while ensuring Tamil Nadu receives its rightful share. He believes project can move forward through mutual understanding and cooperation between two neighbouring States.Similarly, Kalasa-Banduri, Upper Bhadra, Upper Krishna and Yettinahole projects represent long-standing hopes of millions, particularly in North Karnataka. Generations have waited for drinking water and irrigation. Necessary clearances need to be expedited. State has ambitious targets for irrigation and several proposals are pending with Jal Shakti Ministry under PMKSY and AIBP. He sought PM’s personal intervention.
On development vision, he said rural Karnataka is at heart. Government is investing in rural roads, irrigation, drinking water, healthcare and livelihoods. Karnataka has 101.10 lakh rural households, 24.51 lakh had tap connections at start of Jal Jeevan Mission. As of September 2026, State achieved 90.61 lakh functional household tap connections (89.52%). As 2nd most arid state with depleting groundwater, State planned 160 new Multi Village Schemes under JJM and requested release of pending amounts on fast-track basis and higher allocations.He also mentioned youth aspirations, strengthening education and skill development. He announced setting up of India’s and probably World’s first AI University in Bangalore and sought Centre’s partnership and co-financing. He reiterated request for AIIMS in Raichur for Kalyana Karnataka region.
Sugarcane Farmers Crisis – 4 Demands:Referring to historic Belagavi Congress session of 1924 and Mahatma Gandhi’s message, Shivakumar said every year one Assembly session is held in Belagavi. On 26.10.2026, he held meetings with sugarcane growers and mill representatives at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha. He noted 81 operating mills now use digital weighbridges under SOP of 27.11.2023, labs inspected twice a month, average recovery risen to 11.09% in 2025-26, and 99.85% of cane dues for 2025-26 paid.,
But farmers’ main demands include cane price on C2+50% formula recommended by National Commission on Farmers and lower base recovery for FRP, decisions to be taken by Centre. Crushing season delayed due to severe drought. He listed 4 urgent demands:
1.) Revise Minimum Selling Price of sugar, unchanged at Rs 31 per kg since 14.02.2019 while FRP has risen from Rs 2,750 to Rs 3,650 per tonne. With sugar selling at about Rs 45 per kg, revision will not raise consumer prices but will protect farmers’ payments, 2.) Review ethanol directive of 22.10.2026 after crop estimate of February 2027, beginning with B-heavy molasses, and revise price of cane-based ethanol, unchanged since 2022-23.(3. )Restore FRP base recovery to 9.5%, so farmers in low-recovery areas are not penalised for soil and climate. 4.)Fix separate MSPs for domestic and commercial sugar.
Severe Drought – Second Lowest In 70 Years:On drought, Shivakumar said based on scientific assessment as per Manual for Drought Management 2020, State declared 226 of 240 taluks as drought-affected. Inter-Ministerial Central Team has visited and completed assessment.Karnataka experienced exceptionally deficient South-West Monsoon during 2026. Between 1 June and 30 September, State received 551 mm against normal 852 mm, deficit of -35%, second-lowest in last 70 years since 1956. Monthly deficits: 42% in June, 29% in July, 23% in August, 54% in September, worsening towards end.
All four meteorological regions recorded deficient rainfall: North Interior Karnataka 276 mm against 479 mm (-42%), South Interior 217 mm against 369 mm (-41%), Malnad 965 mm against 1,556 mm (-38%), Coastal 2,231 mm against 3,101 mm (-28%). 30 of 31 districts deficit, 209 of 240 taluks deficit or large-deficit.
Prolonged dry spells: 237 of 240 taluks (99%) experienced three or more consecutive weeks dry spell. Out of 122 monsoon days, 79 days (65%) recorded deficit, 31 days (25%) normal, only 12 days (10%) excess.Reservoir storage: Combined live storage about 529 TMC against capacity 814 TMC (65%). Cauvery Basin critical, KRS only 22 TMC (49% capacity).
Drinking water: 861 villages supplied through 227 tankers and 720 hired borewells. Over 2,300 Gram Panchayats expected to face shortage. Area sown only 72.13 lakh hectares against target 84.10 lakh ha (86%), 11.97 lakh ha unsown, predominantly cereals and pulses.State submitted memorandum seeking interim relief and released Rs 2,500 per farmer from own resources as immediate assistance. He requested Centre to expedite assistance and sought time for all-party delegation to meet PM on two issues: drought relief and sugarcane price increase.
Concluding with D.V. Gundappa’s lines from Mankuthimmana Kagga, he said Karnataka seeks rightful share, not special privilege, and hopes Centre will stand with State.
