Finance Minister Denies Karnataka Government’s Funding Claims, CM Siddaramaiah Retaliates

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman rebukes the Karnataka government’s assertions regarding funding, labeling them as “completely false and misleading.” Sitharaman asserts that tax devolution and grants to Karnataka have significantly increased under the Modi government compared to the UPA era, presenting data to support her claims. She urges the state government not to mislead the public, emphasizing that Karnataka has received its due funds promptly.

However, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah counters Sitharaman’s statements, accusing her of consistently denying factual evidence and highlighting discrepancies in the Finance Commission’s recommendations. The exchange underscores the ongoing political tensions between the Centre and the state over financial allocations, with Siddaramaiah demanding Karnataka’s rightful share and Sitharaman promising to provide clarity by sending the Finance Commission’s recommendations in Kannada.