Shivakumar Defends Karnataka's Financial Standing Amid Bankruptcy Claims
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Synopsis
Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar strongly countered claims by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman regarding the state's bankruptcy, asserting better financial management compared to the Central government. He emphasized the implementation of essential welfare schemes and criticized the lack of Central funding for state projects.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka has not borrowed excessively compared to the Central government.
- Shivakumar argues the state is managing its finances effectively.
- Guarantee schemes were introduced to address inflation and rising costs.
- Central ministers should clarify Karnataka's contributions in the Union Budget.
- Shivakumar denies active recruitment of JD-S MLAs.
Bengaluru, Feb 3 (NationPress) Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar responded with vigor to the remarks made by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who suggested that the state has faced bankruptcy under the Congress-led administration. Shivakumar argued that Karnataka has not incurred debts comparable to those of the Central government and is capably managing its finances.
In addressing inquiries from the media, he stated: "The Union Finance Minister ought to first recognize the staggering amount of loans taken by the Central government amounting to lakhs of crores. We have not borrowed to such a degree, and our financial management is commendable. The Honourable Prime Minister previously asserted that Karnataka would face bankruptcy when we unveiled our guarantee schemes, but now they are leveraging those same guarantees to secure electoral victories."
"These guarantees were introduced in response to inflation, which has disproportionately affected women, as well as rising gas prices and the escalating costs of essential goods that have burdened everyday citizens. Interestingly, the BJP has begun to replicate these schemes across various regions," he added.
Shivakumar further stated, "The assertion that Karnataka has gone bankrupt is a distinct matter. Central ministers, including the Union Finance Minister, ought to provide a comprehensive report detailing the contributions made to Karnataka in the Union Budget."
When questioned about the absence of funding for the Upper Bhadra project, Shivakumar expressed, "This is disgraceful. If commitments are made, they must be fulfilled. I urge them to honor their promises before issuing any further statements."
Concerning JD-S MLAs who have shown interest in meeting him, Shivakumar clarified that he has not engaged in discussions with any of them. "JD-S party members are navigating their political futures. How long can they remain patient? They seek the backing of a national party, which is why they are inclined to join Congress," he asserted.
"We possess sufficient numbers, and I am not proactively attempting to bring JD-S MLAs to our side. No MLAs have expressed genuine interest, and I have not communicated with anyone. All such reports are unfounded," he emphasized.
Responding to Leader of the Opposition (LoP) R. Ashoka's claim regarding the power-sharing agreement that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's term is slated to conclude in the last week of November, Shivakumar humorously remarked: "Ashoka appears to have a knack for astrology. I should consider visiting him along with our MLAs."
