Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Promises Meeting for Contractors’ Issues

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced plans to arrange a meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for members of the Karnataka State Contractors’ Association. This decision comes in response to ongoing protests by contractors at Freedom Park in Bengaluru, who are demanding the release of long-pending bills.

During a gathering with contractors, Shivakumar emphasized the importance of collaboration to address their grievances. He stated, “Minister Satish Jarkiholi and I will together arrange a meeting of contractors with the Chief Minister during this session. We must all come together to find a solution to your problems.” He acknowledged the contractors’ vital role in the state’s development, noting their contributions to the government’s electoral success.

Shivakumar highlighted the outstanding payments due to contractors across various departments, revealing that the total of pending bills amounts to approximately Rs 37,000 crore. He specifically mentioned that his department alone has Rs 13,000 crore in pending payments, while another department has around Rs 3,000 crore. “We know your pain,” he remarked, urging contractors to refrain from taking up work in departments lacking adequate funding.

The Deputy Chief Minister criticized former Chief Ministers, including B.S. Yediyurappa and Basavaraj Bommai, for awarding contracts without securing necessary funds, which he claims has led to the current financial struggles faced by contractors. He proposed that finding a solution may require securing bonds worth Rs 50,000 crore.

In addition to addressing contractors’ concerns, Shivakumar expressed dissatisfaction with the recent Union Budget 2026. He accused the Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, of providing insufficient support to Karnataka, describing the budget as an “empty vessel.” He contrasted this with the state budget, which he praised for its balance and commitment to supporting residents affected by rising prices.

“Our government introduced the guarantee scheme to help people reeling under price rise, spending approximately Rs 52,000 crore annually on it,” he noted, while also affirming that the state is presenting a sound budget despite challenges posed by the central government.

Shivakumar concluded his remarks by urging the Central Government to engage in direct discussions with the State Government rather than relying on media statements. He emphasized the need for collaboration to secure funding for Bengaluru’s development and to effectively resolve the contractors’ issues. “You cannot leave us, and we cannot leave you,” he asserted, reinforcing his commitment to supporting contractors alongside Jarkiholi and other officials.