The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Karnataka): A contentious debate has emerged between Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the allocation of central funds for drought relief in Karnataka. Siddaramaiah has accused the central BJP-led government of neglecting the state by withholding necessary drought relief funds. In contrast, Shah attributes the delay to the state’s late proposal submission, hinting at political maneuvering by the Congress government in Karnataka.
During a public gathering in Bengaluru, Shah criticized the state leadership for focusing on personal political ambitions over the welfare of Karnataka’s people. He highlighted the state’s tardiness in requesting drought relief, which has now become a subject of the Election Commission due to the impending elections.
Karnataka has been severely affected by drought, with a majority of its taluks declared drought-hit, severely impacting the state’s agricultural sector and rural communities. The disagreement over the relief funds has intensified political tensions, with Siddaramaiah questioning the moral integrity of BJP leaders, including Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in seeking votes from Karnataka’s populace without addressing the urgent relief needs.
Siddaramaiah’s remarks underscore the frustration over the prolonged wait for central assistance, despite multiple memorandums and a central inspection team’s assessment. He emphasizes that the demanded relief constitutes the state’s rightful share, derived from its contribution to the national exchequer, rather than a charitable grant from the central government.
The issue of delayed drought relief has become a focal point in Congress’s campaign for the Lok Sabha polls, alongside grievances regarding tax devolution and delays in sanctioning central projects for Karnataka. In response, Shah contrasted the UPA and NDA governments’ contributions to Karnataka, asserting that the Modi administration has significantly outpaced its predecessor in terms of financial allocation and development projects, benefiting millions in the state.