Priyank Kharge Slams Centre Over “Stepmotherly” Treatment of Karnataka

By A Staff Reporter

Bengaluru, Karnataka: Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Thursday lashed out at the central government, accusing it of neglecting Karnataka’s financial interests and treating the state in a “stepmotherly” manner. He questioned the relevance of Bihar elections to the ongoing issue of tax devolution and alleged that Karnataka’s rightful dues were being withheld.

“What do the Bihar elections have to do with the devolution of taxes or the stepmotherly treatment being meted out to Karnataka by the Government of India?” Kharge asked, expressing frustration over what he described as the Centre’s indifference.

He stated that the Karnataka government had sent its Finance Minister twice to raise the matter with the Union government, but no positive outcome had been achieved. “We’ve sent our Finance Minister twice, and what have we received in return? Nothing,” Kharge said.

Highlighting Karnataka’s contribution to India’s economy, Kharge asserted that the state has been a major driver of employment and innovation. “Our contribution to the economy and employment generation is immense; we are the global technology hub,” he said.

Kharge added that while the Centre promotes slogans like Amrit Kaal, Viksit Bharat, and Make in India, it is Karnataka where these visions are truly being realised. “We deserve to be rewarded so that we can create even more employment opportunities. We’re simply asking for our rightful share,” he concluded.