Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has written a six-page letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, dated 4 November 2026, thanking him for his Kannada Rajyotsava greetings while pressing the Centre on a range of urgent state demands — including immediate drought relief, a favourable decision on sugarcane farmer demands, expedited irrigation project clearances, and a special financial package for Bengaluru. The letter was a formal response to Modi's 31 October communication, which had congratulated the people of Karnataka on the state formation day.

Drought Crisis: 226 of 240 Taluks Affected

Shivakumar placed the drought situation at the top of his agenda, noting that 226 of Karnataka's 240 taluks had been officially declared drought-affected following a scientific assessment. The state received only 551 mm of rainfall against a normal of 852 mm during the 2026 southwest monsoon — a deficit of 35 per cent, making it the second-lowest rainfall figure in 70 years since 1956.

He further reported that 237 taluks had experienced three or more consecutive weeks of dry spells and nearly 11.97 lakh hectares remained unsown against the targeted area. The state government has already released ₹2,500 per farmer from its own resources and submitted a memorandum seeking interim relief from the Centre. Shivakumar reiterated his request for an appointment for an all-party delegation from Karnataka to meet the Prime Minister and discuss the crisis.

Sugarcane Farmers Await Centre's Response

The Chief Minister sought Prime Minister Modi's direct intervention on behalf of sugarcane farmers, flagging that the crushing season had already been delayed and growers were awaiting assurances from the Union government. His specific demands included a revision of the Minimum Selling Price (MSP) of sugar, restoration of the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) base recovery rate to 9.5 per cent, and a revision of cane-based ethanol prices. These are recurring pain points for Karnataka's sugarcane belt, and the delay in Centre-level decisions has compounded pressure on mill operators and farmers alike.

Pending Irrigation Projects and Jal Jeevan Mission

Shivakumar urged the Prime Minister to expedite clearances for several long-pending irrigation projects, including Mekedatu, Kalasa-Banduri, Upper Bhadra, Upper Krishna, and Yettinahole. He described the Mekedatu project as crucial to meeting the drinking water needs of southern Karnataka, while also asserting it would ensure Tamil Nadu receives its rightful share of water — a point aimed at pre-empting interstate objections. He also sought Centre support for proposals submitted under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) and the Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP).

On drinking water, the Chief Minister said Karnataka had achieved 90.61 lakh functional household tap connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission, covering 89.52 per cent of rural households as of September 2026. He sought immediate release of pending funds and higher allocations for water-stressed and quality-affected areas.

Special Package for Bengaluru, AI University, and AIIMS

Acknowledging the Union government's investments in the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway, national highways, and railway infrastructure — a nod to Modi's earlier letter — Shivakumar urged a special financial package for Bengaluru, citing the mounting strain on roads, public transport, and civic infrastructure from the city's rapid population and economic growth. He also sought the Centre's assistance in acquiring defence land at appropriate prices to ease traffic congestion, noting that the state was in regular dialogue with the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

Looking ahead, Shivakumar proposed the Centre's partnership in establishing an AI university in Bengaluru — which he described as potentially the first of its kind in India and possibly the world. He also reiterated Karnataka's long-standing demand for an AIIMS in Raichur to bolster healthcare and medical education in the Kalyana Karnataka region. The Chief Minister also welcomed Prime Minister Modi's proposed visit to Bengaluru for the inauguration of Namma Metro's Pink Line.

Closing the letter, Shivakumar stressed that Karnataka was not seeking special privileges but 'its rightful share, fair treatment and support from the Union government,' and called for deeper Centre-state cooperation to fulfil the people's aspirations. With drought conditions deepening and the sugarcane season already disrupted, the state government's next steps will depend heavily on how quickly the Centre responds.