Shivamogga, Jan 30 (NationPress) Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar accused the Central government of demonstrating a stepmotherly attitude towards Karnataka concerning the Union Budget, criticizing BJP MPs and Union Ministers from the state for their silence on the matter.

While addressing reporters near the Shivamogga Circuit House, Shivakumar stated, “The Central government has persistently shown discrimination against Karnataka in budget allocations. BJP representatives from our state have failed to voice their concerns, acting as if they are merely present in name, lacking any real influence.”

When queried about expectations from the upcoming Union Budget, he expressed disappointment over the government's failure to meet its promises. “They pledged ₹5,300 crore for the Bhadra Upper Project but have not disbursed the funds,” he noted.

In response to the BJP's poster campaign alleging corruption within the Congress-led government and demanding the resignation of Minister for Excise R.B. Thimmapur, Shivakumar remarked that the Congress had also unveiled numerous BJP-related scams. “There are various past allegations, including those from the Covid period. We could reveal those as well. They are just engaging in politics to find some issue to discuss. Let the investigations conclude,” he stated.

Regarding the extension of the special Assembly session to discuss MGNREGA, Shivakumar mentioned that the Chief Minister had introduced the topic in the House, and the Speaker had recommended discussing it in the Business Advisory Committee. “As a result, the issue was deliberated on Thursday. We will clarify why the VB–GRAM–G Act should be repealed. Given the current context, implementing it in any state is untenable. This is peak agricultural season, and farmers are already earning wages through farming activities. Abolishing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) during this critical period will yield no benefits,” he elaborated.

He further commented that while the Centre may assert that the number of workdays has been raised to 125, providing work for that many days at other times is impractical. “Each gram panchayat is losing between ₹1 crore and ₹1.5 crore in funds, and even job cardholders are facing losses,” he added.

When questioned about compensation for families affected by monkey fever (Kyasanur Forest Disease), Shivakumar assured he would investigate the situation and provide updates later.