D K Shivkumar Criticizes Centre, Demands Justice for State’s Financial Rights

Karnataka MPs, MLAs, MLCs and other Congress leaders under the leadership of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah & Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivkumar protested on Jantar-Mantar in New Delhi demanding justice for state’s financial rights. Pic Source : Indian National Congress/FB.

Dated 7th February 2024

By B R Abdul Wajid

Editor in Chief

New Delhi | Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka D K Shivakumar heavily criticized the BJP-led central government for neglecting Karnataka’s grievances stemming from the 15th Finance Commission during a protest at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi.

Shivakumar denounced the Centre’s inaction in rectifying the perceived injustice caused to Karnataka by the Finance Commission, stressing the responsibility of the Union government to ensure fairness in financial devolution.

Expressing disappointment with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s stance, Shivakumar emphasized the importance of the Centre’s intervention in securing justice for states like Karnataka, which contribute significantly to the nation’s tax revenue.

The protest, attended by Karnataka Congress members including MLAs, MLCs, and MPs, aimed to highlight the state’s rightful claim to a fair share of funds in return for its taxpayers’ contributions.

Shivakumar rebuffed criticisms from the BJP, questioning the absence of vocal support for Karnataka’s cause from the state’s 26 BJP MPs and highlighting their failure to advocate for Karnataka’s interests at the Centre.

Amid severe drought conditions in the state, Shivakumar lamented the Centre’s reluctance to release allocated funds, exacerbating the already dire situation.

He underscored the delay in disbursing funds for vital projects like the Upper Bhadra project, which was promised funds in the previous budget but has yet to receive any financial support from the Centre.

Shivakumar challenged the BJP’s legitimacy in protesting against the state government, citing the party’s historical inaction in addressing Karnataka’s concerns at the national level.

Regarding ongoing issues such as the demand to extend MGNREGA workdays and the delayed approval for the Kalasa Bhanduri project, Shivakumar criticized the Centre for its lack of response to Karnataka’s pressing needs.

Shivakumar defended the necessity of protests, citing the Centre’s persistent disregard for Karnataka’s appeals and asserting that coming to Delhi was the only recourse left for the state government.

When questioned about protests in other states, Shivakumar refrained from direct comparisons and emphasized Karnataka’s singular focus on seeking justice for its citizens, calling for equitable treatment for all states in India’s federal structure.

Shivakumar disclosed the state government’s efforts to secure a meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss various departmental issues, expressing optimism about the possibility of obtaining an appointment.