In a development that has sparked widespread criticism, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s deliberate absence from the historic inauguration of the Sigandur Suspension Bridge — the country’s second-longest suspension bridge — has drawn sharp condemnation from opposition leaders and the people of Sharavati Island, who waited six decades for this moment.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari today inaugurated the iconic bridge, fulfilling a long-pending promise that finally connects thousands of families isolated by the Sharavati backwaters since the construction of the Linganamakki reservoir in the 1960s. The event, attended by former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, former Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa, MP B.Y. Raghavendra, BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra and hundreds of villagers, should have been a moment of unity for Karnataka’s leadership — but Chief Minister Siddaramaiah chose to stay away, alleging a breach of protocol.
Gadkari clarifies: CM was invited twice
Union Minister Gadkari promptly countered Siddaramaiah’s accusations by publicly sharing official letters on social media, proving that the Chief Minister was formally invited not once, but twice — first to preside over the ceremony in person, and then, if unable to attend physically, to join virtually. “The central government has always respected protocol and fully recognizes the role of the state government. We invited the CM with due respect,” Gadkari’s tweet read.
In a major step towards boosting regional connectivity, the inauguration and foundation stone laying ceremony for multiple key infrastructure projects is being held today in Shivamogga, Karnataka.
An official invitation was duly extended to the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri… pic.twitter.com/yDPbRdsygd
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) July 14, 2025
Yet Siddaramaiah used this moment — which should have celebrated cooperative federalism — to play petty politics, alleging that the inauguration was held under “pressure” from local BJP leaders without state consultation. He further declared that no Congress MLAs or ministers would attend as a mark of protest.
Criticism pours in: ‘Historic moment turned into ego clash’
Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok slammed Siddaramaiah’s absence as petty and disrespectful to the people whose struggle has finally borne fruit. “When the entire region is celebrating the end of a 60-year nightmare, decorating their homes and welcoming a new era of connectivity, our Chief Minister is sulking in Bengaluru making up stories that do not exist,” Ashok said in a scathing tweet.
ತಾನು ಕೊಡ, ಪರರನ್ನು ಕೊಡಲು ಬಿಡ!
ಶರಾವತಿ ಹಿನ್ನೀರು ಭಾಗದ ಜನರ 60 ವರ್ಷಗಳ ಕನಸು ಈಡೇರುತ್ತಿರುವ ಇವತ್ತಿನ ಸಂತೋಷದ ದಿನವನ್ನ ಅಲ್ಲಿನ ಜನಸಾಮಾನ್ಯರು ತಮ್ಮ ಮನೆಯ ಹಬ್ಬದಂತೆ ತೋರಣ ಕಟ್ಟಿ, ಹೂವುಗಳಿಂದ ಅಲಂಕಾರ ಮಾಡಿ ಸಂಭ್ರಮ ಪಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ.
ಆದರೆ ಒಲ್ಲದ ಗಂಡ ಮೊಸರಲ್ಲಿ ಕಲ್ಲು ಹುಡುಕಿದ ಎನ್ನುವಂತೆ ನಾಡಿನ ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿಗಳಾಗಿ ಇಂತಹ… https://t.co/Qzg9HUkgn7
— R. Ashoka (@RAshokaBJP) July 14, 2025
Ashok questioned whether Siddaramaiah was sulking because the bridge — a promise neglected for decades under successive Congress governments — was finally completed under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. “Whenever the high command in Delhi calls, you board a special flight at midnight to save your chair. But for the people of Sharavati, you have no time or courtesy to join their celebration? Truly unfortunate for Karnataka,” Ashok remarked.
Politics over people’s aspirations
Locals and BJP leaders argue that Siddaramaiah’s refusal to even join virtually — despite repeated invitations — is a glaring example of how petty political calculations have overtaken the basic duty of standing with the people. The bridge, built at a cost of Rs 423.15 crore, is not a BJP project nor a Congress project — it is a lifeline for the people of Sharavati backwaters, who for decades crossed dangerous waters in rafts and boats, often risking and losing their lives.
“This is not the time for one-upmanship. This bridge is not a favour from any party — it is the people’s right, paid for by their taxes,” BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra said at the event. “Instead of standing here shoulder to shoulder with the villagers, the CM chose to send a message that political rivalry is more important than public good.”
A day to celebrate, not sulk
The bridge connects Marakutuka in Hosanagar taluk to Sagar town through an upgraded national highway. For residents, it means emergency healthcare access, education for children, and markets for their produce — things they were deprived of for generations. The villagers had fought tirelessly for six decades — staging protests, padayatras and petitions — only to see the CM stay away on the day their dream came true.
“Sharavati people waited 60 years for this day. Their CM couldn’t spare a minute, not even online, to say ‘congratulations’. That sums up his arrogance,” R. Ashok said.
While Siddaramaiah insists the BJP is trying to create conflict between the Centre and the state, critics say the only conflict visible today is between the CM’s inflated ego and the people’s simple hope for a better life.
For the thousands who decorated their homes like a festival, this bridge is not about which party cut the ribbon. It is about reclaiming dignity, mobility and opportunity. Karnataka’s leadership owed them unity, not boycotts and excuses.
In the end, the people of Sharavati showed that no politician’s tantrum can overshadow their triumph. They have waited long enough, and today, they crossed the backwaters not with fear, but with pride.
