Bengaluru
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar defended the state’s decision to boycott the July 27 NITI Aayog meeting, citing dissatisfaction with the Union Budget’s treatment of Karnataka. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced earlier that the boycott was in protest against the perceived neglect of the state’s needs in the budget.
Shivakumar criticized the NITI Aayog, questioning its effectiveness when it fails to address Karnataka’s concerns. What’s the point of attending the meeting if it doesn’t address our issues? Karnataka has been shortchanged in the Union Budget, with no new projects or protections for our interests. We’ve decided to protest by boycotting the meeting, he told reporters.
Siddaramaiah had previously expressed frustration, noting that despite his efforts to convene an all-party meeting to highlight Karnataka’s requirements, the Union Budget did not reflect these demands. Additionally, Shivakumar responded to BJP objections regarding the proposed Greater Bengaluru Governance (GBA) Bill, which aims to create up to ten city corporations to improve municipal administration. He emphasized that the bill was introduced for debate and criticized the BJP for politicizing the issue.
