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Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar proposed a legislative seat for contractors in Karnataka’s Council to address grievances.
Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar (Image: News18)
In a move to quell rising tensions within the state’s infrastructure sector, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced on Friday that the government is exploring a permanent legislative solution for the contracting community. Speaking to members of the Karnataka State Contractors’ Association protesting at Freedom Park in Bengaluru, Shivakumar suggested the creation of a dedicated seat in the Legislative Council for contractors, similar to existing quotas for teachers and graduates, to ensure their grievances reach the heart of governance.
The Deputy Chief Minister, accompanied by Ministers Satish Jarkiholi and N.S. Boseraju, assured the gathered protesters that a high-level meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would be convened during the ongoing assembly session. Acknowledging the vital role contractors play in the state’s development, Shivakumar emphasised that the government recognizes the political support received from the community and is committed to finding a resolution for the massive backlog of unpaid bills.
Addressing the financial strain, Shivakumar revealed the staggering scale of the liability inherited by the current administration. He noted that there is approximately ₹37,000 crore in outstanding dues across various departments, including ₹13,000 crore in his own department and ₹3,000 crore in Minister Boseraju’s portfolio. “You are sitting on our chests with bills from the previous BJP government,” Shivakumar remarked, pointing out that he had cautioned against taking on new projects without secured funding six months prior to the elections. He suggested that issuing bonds worth up to ₹50,000 crore might be necessary to clear the mounting debt.
The Deputy Chief Minister also used the platform to defend the state’s fiscal management amidst the implementation of its ambitious guarantee schemes. While the government allocates ₹52,000 crore annually for social welfare, Shivakumar insisted that the budget remains balanced.
He launched a scathing critique of the central government and the opposition, accusing them of failing to provide promised funds for major projects like the Upper Bhadra scheme and Bengaluru’s urban development.
Concluding his address, Shivakumar urged the contractors to move away from public protests and media statements, which he labeled as temporary news cycles, and instead engage in direct dialogue with the administration. “We cannot leave you, and you cannot leave us,” he stated, reinforcing the interdependent relationship between the state and its contractors.
He reiterated that the government’s presence at the protest site was a testament to their solidarity and determination to find a pragmatic financial path forward.
March 06, 2026, 10:35 PM IST
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