Mangaluru
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao conveyed that despite the truth being known, Karnataka’s BJP leaders hesitate to speak out against Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. They are accused of spreading falsehoods regarding drought relief for the state. Rao informed reporters that Karnataka’s BJP MPs and leaders lack the courage to challenge the misleading statements of Union ministers.
Nirmala Sitharaman publicly claimed that the Finance Commission hadn’t communicated any special grant release for Karnataka, despite the commission recommending Rs 5,300 crore. However, Sitharaman, who also represents Karnataka, rejected it. Meanwhile, Amit Shah falsely stated that funds couldn’t be released to Karnataka due to delayed reports submission, Rao said, highlighting the ministers’ misinformation.
Rao mentioned that the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) acclaimed Karnataka as a model state for drought declaration in October last year. The NDMA also proposed other states follow Karnataka’s model for drought declarations.
The state government was compelled to seek drought relief from the Supreme Court, Rao stated, urging Amit Shah to reaffirm his statement made in Channapatna through an affidavit.
Karnataka demanded Rs 17,178 crore as drought relief, but no funds were released. Despite Karnataka’s significant contribution to taxes and GST, the net devolution from the Centre remains low. Uttar Pradesh, despite paying less GST per person, receives a higher share in the Union budget compared to Karnataka, Rao cited Union Budget figures.
Although the 15th Finance Commission recommended a special grant of Rs 16,990 crore for Karnataka, the state is yet to receive any funds, Rao added.
