Karnataka neglected in Union Budget, says CM Siddaramaiah

PTI, Jul 23, 2024, 8:37 PM IST

Source: PTI / File

Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed strong discontent, stating that Karnataka has been neglected in the central budget while states like Bihar and Andhra Pradesh have received special grants. Despite Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman being elected to the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka, there were expectations of special grants for the state, which were unmet.

Addressing a press conference on the Union Budget, CM Siddaramaiah highlighted that despite Karnataka having five central ministers – H.D. Kumaraswamy, Nirmala Sitharaman, Pralhad Joshi, V. Somanna, and Shobha Karandlaje – the state received no substantial benefits.

Nothing was allocated for the industrial sector or the railway department. The budget has disregarded the needs of farmers. Overall, this budget is disappointing and anti-people, causing injustice to farmers, the poor, and women, he said.

Injustice by Nirmala Sitharaman:
Siddaramaiah mentioned that for PM Modi to retain power, support from Andhra Pradesh and Bihar is crucial, hence the special grants to these states. “We expected Nirmala Sitharaman to favor Karnataka and deliver justice, given her election to the Rajya Sabha from the state. However, she has disappointed and wronged us,” he lamented.

He noted that despite promises of Rs 6,000 crore for the Peripheral Ring Road and Rs 5,300 crore for the Upper Bhadra project, nothing was delivered. “Even the promised increase in funds for urban housing schemes from Rs 1.2 lakh to Rs 3 lakh was not met,” he added.

Siddaramaiah further criticized the Modi government, stating, “We cannot rely on this government. They haven’t delivered what the 15th Finance Commission recommended. It’s all just empty promises. Pralhad Joshi claims technical issues with the Upper Bhadra project, but who promised Rs 5,300 crore? The corridors bring no benefit to Karnataka,” he said, expressing his frustration.