The Congress-led government in Karnataka, under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, is set to intensify its criticism of the BJP-led central government by staging a protest in New Delhi. The protest, scheduled for Wednesday, aims to highlight what the ruling party perceives as “injustice” to the state in tax devolution and grants-in-aid over the past few years. 

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The demonstration is set to commence at 11 am at Jantar Mantar and will bring together Congress legislators, MPs, and ministers from Karnataka, signaling a united front against the alleged losses suffered by the state, estimated at Rs 1.87 lakh crore, during the tenure of the 15th Finance Commission. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stressed that the protest is not against the BJP but is aimed at drawing attention to the concerns of Karnataka, urging all MPs from the state, irrespective of party affiliations, to join the cause.

The protest in Delhi is part of a larger trend, with Chief Ministers from other states also expressing their discontent with the central government. Kerala’s Pinarayi Vijayan and West Bengal’s Mamata Banerjee are among those voicing their concerns, citing alleged negligence and fund withholding.

Source: ABP Live

Siddaramaiah’s call for unity goes beyond party lines, as he has specifically invited BJP lawmakers from Karnataka to participate in the protest. The central ministers representing Karnataka, including Nirmala Sitharaman and Pralhad Joshi, have also been extended invitations.

The backdrop of the protest includes Congress’ efforts to address claims made by its MP from Bangalore Rural, D K Suresh, who asserted that southern states were not receiving their fair share of taxes collected, potentially leading to demands for a separate nation if the perceived injustice persists.

Source: News9live

While rejecting the notion of opposing funds for northern states, Siddaramaiah clarified that the protest aims to ensure that Karnataka is not subject to unjust treatment. Some within the Congress in Karnataka are considering the formation of a forum for southern states to promote equitable resource distribution, but no concrete decision has been reached.

The protest is not only a response to financial grievances but also a strategic move to counter the BJP by invoking regional pride and accusing the NDA government of injustice. Siddaramaiah has consistently criticized the BJP-led government for neglecting Karnataka’s interests and disrespecting the federal structure.

Source: The Hans India

On the other side, BJP leaders, including Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, dismiss allegations of fund withholding as a politically motivated narrative. Sitharaman emphasized that no Union finance minister can tamper with the Finance Commission’s recommendations. Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai labeled the protest as a “political stunt” aimed at diverting attention from the state Congress government’s mistakes. Siddaramaiah, reacting to Sitharaman’s statements in Parliament, questioned the autonomy of the Finance Commission under the BJP, pointing to the rejection of special grants and the absence of budgeted funds for crucial projects in Karnataka.