Bengaluru, March 4: Karnataka’s Home Minister G. Parameshwara accused the central government of financial discrimination against southern states, particularly concerning GST allocations and major infrastructure projects.
Speaking to reporters after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah backed Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s call for strengthening the federal framework, Parameshwara stated that significant projects are often awarded to northern states, leaving southern states at a disadvantage.
“This concern is being raised collectively. We contribute the second-largest share to GST. This is a legitimate demand,” he emphasized.
In response to criticism regarding the Congress-led government’s borrowing in Karnataka, Parameshwara clarified that the state remains within the prescribed debt limits.
“There is a limit to borrowing. According to regulations, it should be within 25 percent, and we are adhering to that. In fact, we have the lowest debt among southern states. Many states have borrowed more than us; for instance, Maharashtra’s debt has exceeded ₹9.5 lakh crore,” he noted.
He further asserted that the state is fully compliant with financial discipline.
Addressing alleged differences between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Parameshwara remarked that such political developments are part of the democratic process. Referring to Shivakumar’s announcement of a dinner meeting with party leaders, he stated that there is nothing unusual about it.
“In democracy, since the first elections in 1952, Chief Ministers and leaders have held dinner meetings. There is nothing new here. Shivakumar’s invitation to everyone for dinner is a positive step, showing restraint, which is commendable,” he added.
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