Karnataka Congress Protests, Delhi, February 7: Leading a 135-member delegation of MLAs, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah invaded the capital today in a fierce protest known as “Chalo Delhi.” Allegations of “unjust treatment” by the federal government, particularly with regard to resource distribution and tax devolution, are sparked by the rally.
#WATCH | Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah along with Deputy CM DK Shivakumar at Delhi's Jantar Mantar to participate in the protest against the central government. pic.twitter.com/mMxvcck8qA
— ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2024
Karnataka Congress Protests : The state declares its own foul
- Karnataka asserts that their tax devolution share has been reduced by 1.07%, which translates to an astounding loss of ₹62,098 crore over a five-year period. This includes unpaid GST compensation as well as a special grant that was denied.
- The Upper Bhadra Scheme has not received its ₹5,300 crore allocation, and there is a ₹17,901 crore shortage for drought assistance, despite the Center’s promises of project money being elusive.
- Water security problems are exacerbated by the pending environmental approvals for the vital Mahadayi and Mekedatu water projects.
#WATCH | Delhi: On the Karnataka Congress protest in Delhi, Karnataka CM Siddramaiah says "We expect the Govt will listen to our protest and our main intention is to protect the interest of the state and Kannadigas..." pic.twitter.com/arNp1v5cxW
— ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2024
Karnataka Congress Protests : Central Government Pushes Back
- Union Minister Pralhad Joshi casts doubt on CM Siddaramaiah’s understanding of public finances, calling the claims “politically motivated.” He points to the NDA’s larger grants than the UPA’s as well as the current devolutionary processes.
- The Finance Commission has an autonomous role in tax devolution, as highlighted by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who also emphasizes following established protocols.
#WATCH | On Karnataka Congress protest against Centre in Delhi, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge says, "...We are here to protect interests of Kannadigas on the devolution of taxes, the drought releif amount which has not been provided..." pic.twitter.com/EovnPiSQfL
— ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2024
Already strained by political differences, the demonstration heightens tensions between the Congress-led Karnataka government and the BJP-led Centre. Elections are approaching, and both sides are engaged in a fierce struggle that is unlikely to end soon. The Karnataka Congress protests, brings these important problems to the forefront and ignites a national conversation on tax devolution and state-by-state resource sharing.