Did K'taka Really Receive Rs 1.12 Lakh Crore Through GST?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka secured Rs 1.12 lakh crore through GST.
- BJP's B.Y. Vijayendra criticizes the state government for obstructing welfare schemes.
- Allegations of failure to provide matching grants impact funding claims.
- Vijayendra emphasizes the need for accountability in governance.
- The Prime Minister is credited with enhancing India's global stance.
Kalaburagi, June 15 (NationPress) In response to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's assertions regarding the Central government's inadequate funding for Karnataka, the BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra has emphasized that the state has secured Rs 1.12 lakh crore via GST and ranks among the leading states in fund reception.
During a press conference in Kalaburagi on Saturday, he criticized the state government for hindering the execution of Central welfare initiatives.
He claimed that the state is not fulfilling its obligation to provide matching grants, which are essential for the Centre to disburse its share of funds. "It is unjust to blame the Central government for not releasing funds while failing to present matching grants," he stated, also mentioning that the state claims it lacks finances for development.
The BJP State President held both Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar accountable for the recent stampede at Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium, rather than the police officials. "Suspending senior police personnel is an act of irresponsibility. This is an unpardonable crime," he remarked.
Reflecting on the UPA administration's era marked by significant corruption scandals, Vijayendra contrasted it with the NDA government's approach, asserting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proven that it is feasible to govern without corruption and secure a prosperous future for India.
He expressed that under Modi's leadership, there is renewed confidence that India can stand among developed nations. "In the last 11 years, the Modi government has implemented courageous decisions that have fortified the nation and brought joy to its populace," he added.
Vijayendra envisaged a fully developed India by 2047, underlining that the good governance witnessed over the past 11 years deserves to be celebrated.
He highlighted that the NDA government, led by Prime Minister Modi, is now in its third consecutive term, marking 11 years of governance. "Modi took office in 2014, having previously served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat," he noted.
Vijayendra acknowledged that Modi's governance has significantly bolstered India's internal security and international stature. "A decade or more ago, India faced threats from extremist activities, with Naxalism destabilizing numerous states and the world's trust in India diminishing," he pointed out.
He credited the decisive actions of the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Iron Man of India, for nearly eradicating Naxalism. The BJP's manifesto promise to repeal Article 370 has led to restored peace in Jammu and Kashmir, which is now welcoming large numbers of tourists.
Reflecting on the political landscape in 2014, Vijayendra noted that the UPA government under former PM Manmohan Singh was engulfed in a wave of corruption scandals totaling over Rs 12 lakh crore.
He mentioned, "The youth of the nation had lost faith in India's developmental prospects, believing that a corruption-free administration was unattainable."
Regarding the June 4 stampede incident in Bengaluru, he claimed, "The obsession of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister with publicity resulted in the loss of 11 innocent lives."
When questioned about the regulations governing crowd management, he remarked, "They engage in this to evade accountability. We will decide once the draft report is available."
On the recent air crash in Ahmedabad, he expressed condolences and noted that a thorough investigation is underway. "The black boxes have been recovered. It is inappropriate to politicize such incidents," he responded to media inquiries.
Present at the press conference were BJP leaders including MLA Avinash Jadhav, Kalaburagi City District President Chandrakant B. Patil, Kalaburagi Rural District President Ashok Bagali, and former MLC Amaranath Patil.