Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Wednesday alleged that southern states are being financially discriminated against, particularly in the allocation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) shares and major infrastructure projects. Speaking to reporters, he said big projects are frequently assigned to northern states, while southern states do not receive their fair share.
Parameshwara, commenting in the wake of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah endorsing Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s call for a stronger federal structure, said southern states’ concerns are “legitimate” given their significant contribution to the country’s GST revenue. “We are contributing the second-highest share of GST to the Centre. It is a legitimate demand,” he said.
Responding to criticism over Karnataka’s borrowing, Parameshwara stressed that the state remains well within the prescribed limits. “There is a cap on borrowing, which must be within 25 per cent, and we are well within that limit. When absolute figures are considered, we are borrowing the least among southern states. Other states, such as Maharashtra, have crossed Rs 9.5 lakh crore,” he explained.
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Addressing internal party dynamics, Parameshwara said differences between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar are normal in a democracy. He described Shivakumar’s invitation to party leaders for a dinner meeting as a positive step demonstrating restraint and political engagement. Parameshwara also commented on leadership succession, saying it would happen in due course and depends on circumstances rather than public speculation.
On allegations that the Chief Minister had authorized phone tapping to monitor Shivakumar, Parameshwara challenged critics to provide concrete evidence. He reiterated that no such surveillance has taken place, noting that the Chief Minister had already clarified the matter. “They cannot issue random statements. Let them be specific,” he said.
Parameshwara also addressed administrative matters, including recruitment reforms at the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC). He acknowledged longstanding complaints of irregularities and stressed that responsible officials must be held accountable. With 56,000 posts planned for recruitment, he emphasized the need for transparency and fairness in the process, assuring that the government will take appropriate steps to ensure judicious hiring.
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