From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Kalaburgi, Feb 3: Challenging the State BJP leaders to fight for setting right the injustice to Karnataka in the grant of funds to the State by the Centre, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar accused the State BJP leaders and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for being insensitive the interests of Karnataka and Kannadigas.

Speaking to media persons at the Kalaburgi airport, he said “The State BJP leaders must introspect about their inability to get justice for Karnataka from the Centre. They haven’t made any attempt to meet the Prime Minister and discuss State’s interests and injustice caused by the disparity. The people of the State have answered their apathy by rejecting in the recent elections.”

The Deputy Chief Minister said the ruling Congress party has decided to hold a protest in Delhi on February 7 to demand justice for Karnataka.

“The Centre hasn’t released any drought relief and it is not devolving enough funds for the State. The funds earmarked for the State in the previous budgets is also not being released and hence the protest. All MLAs, MLCs, MPs, Ministers and the Chief Minister will take part in the protest.”

CM does wear Kumkum but not prominently

To a question on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah rejecting the application of kumkum (vermillion) on his forehead, Shivakumar retorted: “Who said the Chief Minister does not wear vermillion? He wears it but he certainly does not like to wear it prominently like women do. What is wrong in that?’’

Asked about a Swamji being denied entry into a temple, he said: “I saw the news reports on television. Obviously, the temple was being cleaned as all temples are cleaned in the morning and evening. At that time, visitors are not allowed inside.’’

However, he promised to speak to Muzrai department officials and find out the problem.

“We are equal and human beings. There is no untouchability. All are allowed entry in temples irrespective of their caste and creed,’’ he said.

No question of country’s Division

The Deputy Chief Minister clarified that his brother D K Suresh, Congress MP, has not spoken about dividing the country. “What he spoke was about the injustice to Karnataka and southern states in the devolution of funds by the Centre. It is the southern states, especially Karnataka, which contribute the maximum in terms of tax mobilisation and GST collections. But the Centre has been consistently denying funds to the Southern States,’’ he said.

He pointed out that the Congress party, including the Chief Minister, Ministers and legislators are staging a protest against the injustice to Karnataka by the Centre in Delhi on February 7.

“There is no question of dividing the country as all of us are part of India and we stand for united India. But the interests of all states must be considered and the southern states should not be made to suffer,’’ he added.