Karnataka Denied Fair Share of Taxes: Priyank Kharge Ahead of PM’s Visit

Bengaluru: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bengaluru visit, Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Thursday alleged that the state was being denied its fair share of central taxes despite its significant contribution to the national economy, and questioned the Centre's contribution to Karnataka over the past 13 years.

Priyank claimed that the Karnataka government was bearing nearly 84 per cent of the financing for the metro project, including land acquisition and legal expenses, while the Centre's contribution was only around 16 per cent.

"Are you expecting anything from Mr Modi? In the last 13 years, what has he contributed to Karnataka? Or how has he contributed to Karnataka? He's coming for the metro inauguration," Priyank said, responding to a question about the PM's visit on Friday to inaugurate the Pink Line of Bengaluru Metro between Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere.

The project has been developed at a cost of around Rs 3,470 crore.

Referring to a press conference by Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda on Wednesday, Priyank reiterated that the state was bearing 84 per cent of the metro project's costs, against the Centre's 16 per cent contribution.

Gowda had urged PM to provide greater central funding and expedite project approvals.

"But complete credit goes to the Centre. Whether it is any centrally sponsored scheme, whether it is Jal Jeevan Mission, whether it is metro. But they're not doing us a favour," he said.

Priyank said Karnataka was a major contributor to the national economy and a significant generator of employment, but was not receiving commensurate financial support from the Centre.

"We (the state) are the ones generating jobs. We are the ones generating the economy for the country. We are one of the biggest economic engines of the country. We are delivering high on income tax. We are delivering high on GST. We are delivering high on jobs. We are the highest absorption of migrants in the country. And what is your (Centre's) contribution to (the state)? Nothing," he alleged.

He attributed Karnataka's economic progress to its policies and budget, and said the state was only seeking its rightful share of central taxes.

"It's because of our policies, our budget, that we are prospering. We are the ones running, helping Modi run his government. But in return, we are not getting anything. All we are asking is to give a fair share of the taxes. That's all," the minister said.

He said adequate financial support from the Centre would help Karnataka improve infrastructure, address regional disparities and create more employment opportunities.

Priyank said improving people's standard of living was essential to achieving the objectives of initiatives such as Viksit Bharat, Amrit Kaal, Digital India, Skill India and Make in India.

"Viksit Bharat, Amrit Kaal, Digital India, Skill India, Make in India... whatever slogan you give. It has to happen from Bengaluru only. That's how it has always been," he said.

On Karnataka's demand for drought relief, Priyank urged the Centre to release the assistance without delay, recalling that the state had approached the Supreme Court last year over the issue.

"See, we are very clear. We have asked for drought relief, and we are asking that to be released fast. Last year also, they did not do it. We had to go to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court cracked the whip at the central government, and they were forced to release our money," he said.

Priyank said the Centre should ensure that assistance due to Karnataka and its people was released at the earliest, given the prevailing drought situation.

"So my only request to the central government is, kindly ensure that whatever is due to the government of Karnataka, to the people of Karnataka, is released at its earliest because of the drought situation. It's an unprecedented super El Nino. We understand that, and it is better if they (Centre) also understand this quickly and ensure that relief is given to the states," he said.

Asked whether BJP MPs would raise the issue, Priyank alleged that they would not speak up for Karnataka's interests.

"BJP MPs will not raise a word on this. They are scared of Modi ji and Amit Shah ji (Union Home Minister). They are only interested in creating reels and praising Modi ji. They are not interested in ensuring Kannadigas get their fair rights," he said.