‘Karnataka betrayed’: CM Siddaramaiah slams NDA govt over allocation of funds

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], January 17 (ANI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday, slammed the NDA government, accusing them of betraying Karnataka.
He pointed out that out of Rs1,73,030 crore allocated to states, said Karnataka received only Rs6,310 crore, a significant drop from previous allocations, as he stated in his official release.
Siddaramaiah termed this as a shocking injustice that mocks the hard work of people in Karnataka.
"The NDA government's betrayal of Karnataka continues in full swing. Of the Rs1,73,030 crore allocated to states, Karnataka has been given a mere Rs6,310 crore--a shocking drop from previous instalments. This injustice mocks every hardworking Kannadiga," he said.
He highlighted Karnataka's share of the Union Budget has stagnated. According to his release, In 2018-19, the state received Rs46,288 crores, but in 2024-25, it has been allocated only Rs44,485crorese, with an additional Rs15,299 crore in grants. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah. (Photo/ANI)
"Despite making up only 5% of India's population, Karnataka contributes 8.4% to the nation's GDP. We rank second in GST collection and lead the nation in GST growth with an impressive 17% increase. However, despite Karnataka's significant contributions, the Union Budget has doubled from Rs24.42 lakh crore in 2018-19 to Rs48.20 lakh crore in 2024-25, yet Karnataka's share has stagnated. In 2018-19, Karnataka received Rs46,288 crore, but in 2024-25, it has been allocated only Rs44,485 crore, with an additional Rs15,299 crore in grants. Karnataka, contributing so much, should receive at least Rs1 lakh crore annually but continues to be denied its rightful share," he said.
He further questioned that despite contributing Rs4.5 lakh crore annually, the state received only Rs45,000 crore in tax share and Rs15,000 crore in grants.
"Why should Karnataka, contributing Rs4.5 lakh crore annually to the national exchequer, receive only Rs45,000 crore in tax share and Rs15,000 crore in grants--a mere 13 paise for every rupee we contribute?," he said.
"The 15th Finance Commission reduced Karnataka's tax share from 4.713% to 3.647%, costing us Rs79,770 crore over five years. Even the recommended special grant of Rs5,495 crore to compensate for these losses was denied by the Modi government," he added.
Siddaramiah emphasized that Karnataka deserves a fair share of its tax contributions and demands justice for the state. He urged all Kannadigas to unite and fight for their rights, regardless of caste, religion, or politics.
"Karnataka, despite its unparalleled contributions, is left to fend for itself. While our tax money builds the coffers of BJP leaders in UP, Bihar and MP, our people suffer during floods, droughts, and other crises. This injustice demands an answer: "Our Tax, Our Right" Karnataka will not tolerate this bias any longer. We call upon every Kannadiga, cutting across caste, religion, and politics, to rise against this discrimination. Let's fight for what is rightfully ours!" (ANI)