HM Parameshwara Questions FM Sitharaman's Commitment to Karnataka

Bengaluru, Feb 3 (NationPress) Criticizing Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for her assertion that the Karnataka government is on the verge of bankruptcy, State Home Minister G. Parameshwara questioned her contributions to the state.

Speaking to journalists in Bengaluru, he stated, "Nirmala Sitharaman holds the position of Finance Minister for the nation, and we all hold her in high regard. However, as a Rajya Sabha member representing Karnataka, she has utterly failed to safeguard our state's interests."

He further queried, "This issue is not a recent development; it has been ongoing. What has she done for our state? There hasn’t been a single scheme implemented that we can credit her with. If she had done so, I would have commended her."

"It's unacceptable to merely make statements regarding Karnataka's financial status. In the previous Union Budget, she announced that Rs 5,000 crore would be dedicated to the Upper Bhadra Project, labeling it a national project. But where is the actual funding? What justification can she provide for this?" he questioned.

"We have rolled out five guarantee schemes aimed at assisting the poor, not for any ulterior motives. Women in rural areas are utilizing the Rs 2,000 aid for meaningful endeavors. One woman even purchased a new computer for her daughter. There are numerous such stories. Claiming that Karnataka is bankrupt is incorrect. The real question is -- what has the Union Finance Minister done for Karnataka?" Home Minister Parameshwara asked.

"Nirmala Sitharaman serves as a Rajya Sabha MP from Karnataka and is also the Finance Minister. It is embarrassing that Karnataka has received a lesser budget allocation this year compared to the last. How can we justify this? If she provides grants, we will acknowledge her efforts, regardless of party lines. But shouldn't she at least approve a significant project for Karnataka?" he remarked.

"The state requires funding for irrigation and development projects. Is a mere Rs 5,000 crore for Bengaluru adequate? Bengaluru is a city of national significance. Making unfounded statements is unacceptable," he added.

In response to Karnataka's drop to the 10th position in the NITI Aayog report, Parameshwara stated, "NITI Aayog employs different criteria each year to assess performance. We are unaware of the basis or parameters used to determine this ranking."

Regarding the Special Investigation Team (SIT) summoning BJP MLA C.N. Ashwath Narayan in connection with the Police Sub-Inspector recruitment scandal, he said, "I am not informed about the reasons for his questioning. The investigation remains ongoing. The SIT will summon individuals based on the evidence they gather."

When queried about Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's open invitation to MLAs from other parties to join Congress, the State Home Minister replied, "If the state party President makes a statement, it holds significance. There is no opposition to welcoming individuals who embrace our party's ideology and principles. The decision on admissions rests entirely with the President. That is the purpose of appointing a President."

On the subject of funding shortages due to the implementation of guarantee schemes and MLA B.R. Patil's refusal to retract his resignation as Karnataka CM's advisor, Parameshwara stated, "That issue is a matter for the Chief Minister. The CM will discuss with B.R. Patil. We are not privy to their discussions."

He further remarked, "Previously, there were frequent concerns regarding a lack of funds. However, following the CLP (Congress Legislature Party) meeting, Rs 10 crore has been allocated to all MLAs. Since that time, no such problems have arisen."