Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar have reached at Jantar Mantar in the national capital, initiating a protest named Chalo Delhi against the Central government’s tax devolution policies towards the southern state. The demonstration is witnessing the participation of several cabinet ministers from the Congress government.
Siddaramaiah has accused the Central government of perpetuating economic disparities, asserting that his government opposes the unjust treatment in tax devolution and grants for the people of Karnataka. In a pre-protest statement, DK Shivakumar emphasized their demand for rightful entitlements, stating, “We are asking for our rights, we are getting only 13 per cent of what we are supposed to get. I do not mind if other states benefit. The policies and schemes that they (Centre) have given to Gujarat, they should extend the same to us.”
State minister Priyank Kharge highlighted various demands, including tax devolution and the release of drought relief funds. He emphasized that Karnataka, as an economic powerhouse, deserves fair consideration from the central government.
Simultaneously, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Karnataka MPs are staging protests in front of the Gandhi statue in Parliament, focusing on the alleged misappropriation of funds by the Siddaramaiah government. BJP MP Lehar Singh accused the Congress of corruption and mismanagement, attributing their protest to internal disputes.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi dismissed Siddaramaiah’s accusations of reduced tax devolution share by the Centre, labeling it as baseless and asserting that the Karnataka Chief Minister is engaging in dirty politics. Former Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP leader BS Yediyurappa criticized the Congress government for orchestrating a protest in Delhi, claiming it to be a mere attempt to create drama ahead of upcoming elections.