Suresh’s comments on Thursday were in response to the Union Budget tabled by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman.The MP from Bengaluru Rural claimed that taxes collected from south India were being distributed in north India and that the southern states were not receiving their due share. He said the southern states will be forced to demand for a separate nation if the “injustice” was not rectified.
In response to his brother’s comments, deputy CM Shivakumar defended Suresh’s perspective, stating that he only reflected public opinion.
CM does not endorse Suresh’s view
He (Suresh) has only expressed people’s view. People feel ignored, and he has only voiced the injustice happening to people,” Shivakumar asserted, emphasizing his commitment to the unity of India.
Highlighting Karnataka’s substantial contribution of approximately Rs 4 lakh crore in taxes and custom duty, Suresh expressed disappointment over the state’s meagre return. He highlighted the denial of the additional grant recommended by the 15th Finance Commission, contributing to the perceived injustice in terms of devolution.
Suresh was optimistic that the newly formed 16th Finance Commission would address these anomalies. He emphasized the necessity for southern states to unite and voice their concerns if needed.
Chief minister Siddaramaiah did not endorse Suresh’s call for separate statehood but addressed the issue by attributing the disparity in resource distribution among states to the Centre. The CM urged the Centre to ensure equitable resource allocation to each state.
Law and parliamentary affairs minister HK Patil, while not openly endorsing Suresh’s stance, echoed the sentiment of injustice towards southern states. He highlighted the severe lack of financial relief during times of drought in southern states.
However, the Congress leader’s statement drew sharp criticism from the opposition BJP. Opposition leader R Ashoka accused Congress of having a divisive mindset and drew parallels between Suresh’s statements and the party’s historical ‘Divide and Rule’ strategy.On one hand Rahul Gandhi is carrying out Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra and on the other hand D K Suresh calls for Bharat Todo,” he said.
Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar accused the Congress of having an agenda to ‘divide people’ and engaging in North-South conflict and appeasement politics.
