Priyank Kharge slams Centre on their refusal to release funds to Karnataka

Mangaluru: Priyank Kharge on Saturday slammed BJP's allegations of Karnataka government having no funds to present the budget. He said, "The BJP leaders have no work; first, let them answer how much funds the central government has released to Karnataka.”

While speaking to the media, he said, “The Centre has failed to release funds. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, the Centre was supposed to provide Rs 3,600 crore, but we have received only Rs 517 crore.

"To ensure the drinking water project doesn't stop, our state government has provided Rs 2,900 crore under the project."

He charged the Centre of showing disparity to the state despite the fact that Karnataka is one of the first when it comes to payment of income tax and GST.

"When Karnataka pays Rs 100 to the Centre, the state gets only Rs 13 in return. However, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are getting Rs 200 to Rs 300 when they pay only Rs 3," Kharge said.

In reply to a query on Congress leaders including KPCC President DK Shivakumar meeting party high command, Kharge said that there was nothing wrong in it. Congress MLAs should meet high command, not Keshava Krupa or Modi. “If I don’t meet my party high command, who will I meet ?”, he asked.

Kharge also cleared all rumours regarding the demand for replacement of DK Shivakumar as the KPCC President. On the contrary, he reiterated, that Shivakumar is the KPCC president and hence the Congress leaders will work under him.

“The Congress believes in collective leadership and Shivakumar is our Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC President. We will work under Shivakumar, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah or any other leader appointed by the high command,” he said.

“Decision on replacement of CM, Deputy CM or KPCC President will be taken only by the high command. AICC has sought a report card seeking information on the performance of ministers with regard to the implementation of government schemes announced in the party manifesto. Report cards have been given to the high command and to the people."

When asked on cabinet expansion, Kharge said, "At present there is no cabinet expansion. Budget will be presented in March."

On delay in the release of money under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, the minister said that it will be released soon as announced by the Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

To a query on instances of ‘racism’ in Bengaluru, the Minister said, “A lot of people migrate to Bengaluru for employment. When you are in Karnataka, in Bengaluru, please respect our practices, culture, language, and food habits. All have the right to live here.”