Siddaramaiah submits 18-point memorandum to Modi, seeks 56% reservation and major infra push
Bengaluru : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday submitted an extensive 18-point memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking urgent intervention on a range of issues including enhanced reservation, infrastructure development, irrigation projects, and pending central approvals.
The memorandum was handed over at HAL Airport in Bengaluru, where Siddaramaiah received Modi, who was visiting the state to attend an event at the Adichunchanagiri Mutt in Mandya district. The Chief Minister used the opportunity to highlight Karnataka’s contributions to the national economy while flagging key areas where central support remains pending.
At the heart of the memorandum is the state government’s decision to increase reservation for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) to 56 percent. Siddaramaiah urged the Centre to include this decision in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution to protect it from judicial scrutiny. The move is seen as politically significant and aimed at strengthening social justice measures in the state.
The Chief Minister emphasized that Karnataka has been a major contributor to India’s growth, both economically and socially, but several critical projects have remained stalled for years. He called for immediate attention to ensure balanced regional development and to address long-standing disparities.
Among the key demands, Siddaramaiah requested the inclusion of certain state-approved OBC communities into the central Scheduled Tribes list, noting that the state has already provided clarifications sought by the Union government. He also pressed for the establishment of a long-pending railway coach manufacturing factory in Kolar, stating that the state is ready to provide 1,123 acres of land for the project. The proposed unit is expected to boost industrial growth and generate employment in the backward region.
On connectivity, the memorandum sought the inclusion of the Mysuru-Bengaluru stretch in the high-speed rail corridor and called for the early rollout of the Bengaluru-Mumbai high-speed rail project. The Chief Minister also urged the Centre to release promised funds for the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project, which is crucial to easing traffic congestion in the rapidly growing city.
To strengthen urban infrastructure, Siddaramaiah requested a grant of ₹6,000 crore for Bengaluru. He also sought environmental and wildlife clearances for the 2,000 MW Sharavathi pumped storage project, which is considered vital for boosting renewable energy capacity in the state.
The memorandum further highlighted the need for immediate release of ₹17,554 crore under the Jal Jeevan Mission for drinking water projects, along with resolution of policy-related hurdles delaying fund disbursal. Additionally, Siddaramaiah demanded an annual central grant of ₹5,000 crore under Article 371(J) for the development of the Kalyana Karnataka region and the establishment of at least one सार्वजनिक sector enterprise in each district.
On irrigation, the Chief Minister urged the Centre to notify the award of the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II, enabling Karnataka to fully utilize its allocated share of 173 TMC of water. He also called for national project status for the Upper Krishna Project Phase-III.
Further, Siddaramaiah sought equitable water allocation for Karnataka under the Godavari-Cauvery river linking project, estimating a requirement of 40–45 TMC. He also requested approval for the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project, which aims to supply drinking water to Bengaluru and generate 400 MW of power.
The Chief Minister concluded by urging the Prime Minister to ensure timely approvals and financial support, stating that these initiatives are critical for Karnataka’s long-term growth, regional equity, and sustainable development.
