DKS shifts tone, attends Niti summit, meets Modi

Bengaluru: In its first direct interaction with the Centre in two years, Karnataka govt led by DK Shivakumar participated in the NITI Aayog governing council meeting in New Delhi on Thursday. He later met PM Modi seeking approvals and funds for major state projects.Karnataka's memorandum to the PM flagged pending central grants of Rs 2,860 crore under the 15th Finance Commission for gram panchayats, Rs 26,000 crore as special assistance for Bengaluru infrastructure and Rs 25,000 crore annually for Kalyana Karnataka under Article 371(J).The development marks a clear departure from the stance of the Siddaramaiah-led govt, which had stayed away from such meetings over the past two years, citing concerns over alleged neglect of the state's demands.Addressing the NITI Aayog meeting, Shivakumar highlighted Karnataka's economic contribution and its role in national growth and called for a development model focused on measurable outcomes and stronger Centre participation in state-led programmes, suggesting a CSR-style governance framework focused on impact-based delivery.On urban infrastructure, the state sought approval for Bengaluru Suburban Rail, Bengaluru–Mumbai High Speed Rail Corridor, Regional Rapid Rail Transit System links to nearby cities, and Metro Phase 3 and Phase 3A of Namma Metro under BMRCL. It also requested approval for revised cost escalation for Metro Phase 2.On irrigation, Karnataka sought early clearance for Mekedatu, notification of Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal II award, and financial support for Upper Krishna Project Stage III. It said Rs 5,300 crore central assistance for the Upper Bhadra project is still pending.Separately, rural development minister Eshwar Khandre flagged Karnataka's position on the revised rural employment scheme VB-G RAM G, which has replaced MGNREGA, raising concerns over the changed cost-sharing pattern."Under MGNREGA, which was launched by the UPA govt in 2006, the central govt used to bear 90% of the wage cost, while state govts contributed only 10%. Under the new VB-G RAM G scheme starting from July 1, the Centre will provide funds in a 60:40 ratio, which places a greater financial burden on state govts. We want a more balanced 80:20 sharing pattern between Centre and states," he added.The CM said, "PM Modi has publicly congratulated me after I was sworn in as the CM. He wished me a successful tenure and affirmed that the Centre will work closely with the Karnataka govt to ensure the welfare and development of the people. I also want to work cordially with the Centre because I know what Karnataka needs because the world is looking at India through Bangalore. There is a need to create infrastructure in Karnataka for all sections, not just for urban mobility, but we also need to look at agriculture," he said.Shivakumar's presence hinted that the state was choosing engagement over boycott. In 2024, Siddaramaiah skipped the meeting, saying, "We don't feel Kannadigas are heard, and hence there is no point in attending the NITI Aayog meeting." Last year, too, the state stayed away, though his speech was read out.GFXK'taka's Key demandsClearance for Mekedatu projectNotification of KWDT-II award on Krishna watersRelease of Rs 5,300 crore for Upper Bhadra projectForest and wildlife clearance for Kalasa and Bandura Nala projectsApproval for irrigation modernisation and flood management works worth Rs 11,122 croreApproval for Bengaluru Suburban Rail projectClearance for Bengaluru–Mumbai High Speed Rail CorridorApproval for RRTS links from Bengaluru to multiple citiesApproval for BMRCL Phase 3, Phase 3A and revised Phase 2 costRelease of Rs 2,860 crore Finance Commission grants to gram panchayatsSpecial assistance of Rs 26,000 crore for BengaluruAnnual Rs 25,000 crore support for Kalyana Karnataka under Article 371(J)Approval for Sharavathy pumped storage projectClearance for pending National Highway projectsEstablishment of AIIMS in Raichur