HDK defends Centre over Karnataka allocations

Mysuru, NT Bureau: Union Minister for Heavy Industries, Steel and Public Enterprises HD Kumaraswamy denied that the BJPled National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Central government was keeping funds from Karnataka. Instead, he directed blame at the Congress State government, advising them to “change their attitude” to get the necessary assistance from the Centre.

The JD(S) leader made the comments during a press conference held in Mysuru on Sunday. The ruling Congress in the state has on multiple occasions accused the Union government of squeezing tax money out of Karnataka but giving them nothing in return.

The claim was revived following the presentation of the Union Budget recently when Karnataka was once again not allocated anything.

“The State government should make preparations to get Central funds for various projects including the Rs 5,300 crore under the Upper Bhadra project,” Kumaraswamy said.

The Upper Bhadra Project had been allocated Rs 5,300 crore back in the 2022 Union Budget.

“In order to get Central assistance of Rs 3,000 crore for Peripheral Ring Road (PRR) in Bengaluru, is the State government ready to invest their own share? Why have they not submitted utilization certificates of Central funds for various programmes despite getting notices from the Centre?” he asked.