Did Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Just Call Out Union Minister Joshi Over Ethanol Allocation?
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Synopsis
In a fiery exchange, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah challenges Union Minister Pralhad Joshi over misleading remarks about ethanol allocation. He demands accountability and justice for the state's farmers, highlighting a long-standing issue of inequity in ethanol procurement. The debate raises critical questions about agricultural support from the Central Government.
Key Takeaways
- Siddaramaiah challenges false claims by Union Minister Joshi regarding ethanol allocations.
- Call for accountability directed at the Central Government for fair treatment of Karnataka’s farmers.
- Historical inequity in ethanol procurement highlighted, raising concerns about support for agriculture.
- Broader implications for agricultural policy and state-federal relations in India.
- Political tensions between Karnataka’s leadership and the Central Government persist.
Bengaluru, Nov 7 (NationPress) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah sharply criticized Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution, and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi on Friday for allegedly making misleading statements regarding ethanol allocation to oil marketing firms.
In his statement, CM Siddaramaiah asserted, "I call upon Union Minister Joshi to extend an apology to Karnataka's farmers for his misleading assertions aimed at inciting them against our government."
"There is still an opportunity — he should persuade Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mandate increased ethanol procurement from Karnataka and rectify the betrayal of our farmers," CM Siddaramaiah added.
"Our request is straightforward — ethanol allocation should reflect production capacity. Instead of endorsing this farmer-friendly demand, Pralhad Joshi has opposed us, thereby failing the farmers of Karnataka," CM Siddaramaiah remarked.
"Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has once again proven that he has made deception his guiding principle, by claiming that 'the allocation of ethanol to oil marketing companies from Karnataka is 116.30 crore litres and not 47 crore litres', and that 'Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has cited figures belonging to Jharkhand,'" CM Siddaramaiah noted.
"When making such a blatant untruth with unfounded confidence, Union Minister Joshi should have at least remembered the respect due to his ministerial role. During the press conference, I only referenced the ethanol allocation to oil companies from Karnataka for the financial year 2024–25," CM Siddaramaiah explained.
For the fiscal year 2024–25, Karnataka’s 46 distilleries possess an overall ethanol production capability of 270 crore litres, yet only 47 crore litres have been allocated to oil companies, he stated.
"These figures are sourced not from the Karnataka government, but from Union Minister Pralhad Joshi himself, who provided this data in response to a question in Lok Sabha on August 6, 2025," CM Siddaramaiah pointed out.
"Thus, either Joshi’s current statement is incorrect or his parliamentary response was untrue. Regardless of which is accepted, Joshi cannot avoid being labeled a liar," the CM stated.
This isn’t the first instance of Karnataka confronting inequity concerning ethanol procurement. From 2021–22 to 2024–25, Karnataka’s total ethanol production capacity reached 879 crore litres, while only 171 crore litres were bought from the state. Is this not a severe injustice by the Central Government to Karnataka's sugarcane farmers? CM Siddaramaiah questioned.
In comparison, Gujarat has an annual ethanol production capability of 40 crore litres, yet 31 crore litres have been allocated to oil marketing companies. Where is the fairness in this? CM Siddaramaiah asked.
"Esteemed Mr. Joshi, even Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who belongs to your own party, has reached out to you urging an elevation in the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane and a higher Minimum Support Price (MSP) for sugar. BJP leaders from Karnataka have also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi advocating for a rise in Karnataka’s ethanol allocation. Yet the Central Government remains indifferent," he stated.
"Minister Joshi lacks both the courage and the resolve to confront the Prime Minister and demand justice for farmers. All he can do is create political turmoil with unfounded claims," he criticized.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the ongoing tensions surrounding agricultural policies in India. Siddaramaiah’s pointed criticism of Union Minister Joshi underscores a broader concern about the treatment of farmers and the need for equitable resource allocation. The dialogue reflects the urgent need for transparent communication and accountability in governmental actions affecting the agricultural sector.
NationPress
08/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main accusation against Union Minister Joshi?
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah accuses Union Minister Pralhad Joshi of making false statements about ethanol allocation to oil marketing companies, misleading farmers and the public.
What does Siddaramaiah demand from the Union Minister?
He demands an apology to Karnataka's farmers and calls for increased ethanol procurement from the state.
How much ethanol has Karnataka produced compared to what was allocated?
Karnataka has a production capacity of 270 crore litres but has only been allocated 47 crore litres for the 2024-25 fiscal year.
What historical context is provided regarding ethanol procurement?
Siddaramaiah highlights that between 2021-22 and 2024-25, Karnataka had a total ethanol production capacity of 879 crore litres but only received 171 crore litres in allocation.
What is the broader implication of this dispute?
The dispute raises concerns about the Central Government's commitment to supporting farmers and equitable agricultural policies across states.
