From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Feb 3: With Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to address the Karnataka BJP’s Parivarthan rally at the Bengaluru Palace Grounds on Sunday, the ruling Congress party went on the offensive against the BJP by launching a blistering attack on the NDA government for spreading a pack of 'lies' on releasing funds to the Congress ruled Karnataka.
KPCC Working President Dinesh Gundu Rao and Agriculture Minister Krisha Byre Gowda, who addressed a press conference in Bengaluru on Sunday, said: "the lies and jumlas of the BJP are well known on releasing of state’s share of funds from the Centre."
The total money allotted under 13th finance commission for Karnataka was Rs 62,775 crore but Rs 61,692 crore was released during 2010-15. The State’s per capita contribution to central taxes was 19%, but per capita devolution was a mere 6.3%, they alleged.
"So what is BJP National President Amit Shah talking about?" they asked.
"The central government runs on the revenue of the states and not the converse. It is our right," they said and pointed out the Modi government was not showing any charity. "Karnataka is getting its rightful due. In fact, the State should get more," they contented.
BJP President Amit Shah speaks as if the Centre has gifting funds to the Karnataka and the State Government does not know how to do its work.
"It is not some gift or alms, but our right and entitlement under the constitution (Article 268-280). States are expected to collect tax and send it to the common pool which is then devolved to states based on the recommendations from the relevant finance commission of that period," they said.
He alleged that Shah and other BJP leaders have been employing 'less than respectful tactics' in a bid to see the Lotus bloom in the south once again. "The people of Karnataka have seen the manner in which the BJP government plundered the state during its term from 2009 to 2013," he added. Byregowda said Karnataka received Rs 10,533 crore less than what it is entitled for.
"We know that you (Prime Minister) won't give us Rs 3 lakh crore tomorrow... at least you have to release the shortfall in the grants towards Karnataka," he said. He said this money was Karnataka's right and that the shortfall was a dent in the state's grants. "You not only have to issue a clarification on this issue, you also have to release the grants. This will make us accept that you have respect for the Constitution," he added.