Karnataka CM D K Shivakumar used PM Narendra Modi's stage to list state grievances.
Friday Nov 13, at IIM-Bangalore, where Modi inaugurated Bengaluru Metro's 21.26 km Pink Line (Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara, Rs 9,606 cr) and flagged projects worth Rs 20,000 cr, Shivakumar — who became CM in Feb 2026 after Siddaramaiah — said: “You have supported us. Still we want fair deal for every section. Elections may bring different mandates. Aspirations remain same. Let's compete in politics, but collaborate in development. A Viksit Karnataka is essential pillar of Viksit Bharat.”
He placed memorandum seeking early release of Rs 22,400.58 cr under NDRF.
Drought numbers: Shivakumar said Karnataka faced second-lowest rainfall in 70 years since 1956 — 551 mm against normal 852 mm in southwest monsoon, 35% deficit. 226 of 240 taluks declared drought-hit, 237 taluks had 3+ consecutive weeks dry spell, 11.97 lakh ha unsown, nearly 85 lakh ha crop damage. Estimated loss Rs 62,000-62,482 cr. State already paid Rs 2,500 per farmer from own kitty, submitted memorandum.
This repeats Nov 4 letter he wrote responding to Modi's Karnataka Rajyotsava greetings (Oct 31). Letter said: “We are not asking special privileges. Seeking rightful share, fair treatment.”
Second issue: Sugarcane. 58 lakh farmers in crisis, crushing season delayed.
Farmers demand Rs 5,500 per ton against FRP Rs 3,650 for 2026-27. Shivakumar said Karnataka found it very difficult to deal, mills under pressure. 81 operating mills, 99.85% dues paid, recovery rate 11.09% in 2025-26. Farmers want cost-plus-50% formula per Swaminathan and restoration of 9.5% base recovery rate for FRP calculation.
Also sought:
- Revision of minimum selling price of sugar unchanged at Rs 31/kg since Feb 2019.
- Review Oct 22, 2026 ethanol directive and revise ethanol prices for cane juice, B-heavy molasses unchanged since 2022-23.
- Separate MSP for domestic/commercial sugar and fair share ethanol quota for Karnataka, India's 3rd largest sugarcane state.
Other asks in memo: Special financial package for Bengaluru infrastructure (500 km metro vision, defence land at appropriate prices), expedite Mekedatu, Kalasa-Banduri, Upper Bhadra, Upper Krishna, Yettinahole irrigation projects, AIIMS in Raichur, AI University in Bengaluru, Jal Jeevan Mission funds pending, reconsider 20,668 sq km Western Ghats ESA notification across 1,449 villages.
Shivakumar thanked Modi for highways, Mysuru Expressway, invoked Kuvempu's Vishwamanava, Basavanna's Kayakave Kailasa.
Modi responded with Central allocations, but no immediate commitment on drought or sugar MSP.
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