CM Shivakumar urges PM to back Karnataka, says India's growth hinges on state's progress

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to extend greater support to the state, saying India's progress must go hand in hand with Karnataka's development.

The CM stressed the need for cooperative federalism and said Karnataka was ready to work with the Centre for the country's growth, speaking at the inauguration of the Vivekananda Smarak at Ramakrishna Vidyashala in Mysuru.

"For India to progress, it must progress along with Karnataka. Let us work together within our federal structure. I appeal to the Prime Minister to support Karnataka with an open heart," the CM said.


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The remarks come amid recurring differences between the Congress government in Karnataka and the BJP-led Centre over issues including tax devolution, drought relief, infrastructure funding and centrally sponsored schemes.

Cooperative federalism
Shivakumar said Karnataka's strengths lay in its people, climate and culture, adding that the state had emerged as a key driver of India's economic and technological growth.

"The entire world is looking towards Karnataka. Today, India is often seen through the lens of Karnataka and Bengaluru," he said, recalling that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had laid the foundation stone for Kempegowda International Airport when S.M. Krishna was the chief minister.

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Tribute to Vivekananda

Paying tribute to Swami Vivekananda, Shivakumar said the spiritual leader's life and teachings should inspire young people to pursue excellence with courage and resilience.

"Vivekananda taught us to remain courageous in failure and gracious in victory. His sacrifice and vision should energise today's youth," he said.

The chief minister said the state government's focus on youth empowerment reflected Vivekananda's ideals. He said Karnataka was promoting sports, arts and cultural activities by setting up youth associations at the panchayat and ward levels under the slogan Yuva Yuga, Nava Yuga, while working as "Team Karnataka."

Mysuru's legacy in science
Highlighting Karnataka's historical contribution to nation-building, Shivakumar recalled that Swami Vivekananda had encouraged industrialist Jamsetji Tata to establish a premier scientific institution in India during their voyage abroad. He said the then Maharaja of Mysore supported the proposal by donating about 300 acres in Bengaluru, paving the way for the establishment of the Indian Institute of Science.

"The Mysore royal family made an enduring contribution to Indian science through its support for IISc," he said.

Shivakumar also recalled that the Maharaja of Mysore had supported Vivekananda's historic journey to the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago in 1893, where his "Brothers and Sisters of America" address won global recognition.

He said the newly inaugurated Vivekananda Cultural Centre would serve as a national asset and help inspire future generations.