Bengaluru, Feb 3 (PTI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Monday expressed strong discontent over Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s representation of Karnataka in the Rajya Sabha, stating that he felt "ashamed" due to her alleged failure to protect the state's interests.
Lashing out at Sitharaman for not allocating any special package or major projects for Karnataka in the recent Union Budget, Parameshwara accused her of making no significant contributions to the state despite serving her second term as a Rajya Sabha MP from Karnataka.
"We are ashamed that she (Nirmala Sitharaman) is a Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka because there is nothing to boast about regarding her contributions to the state," Parameshwara told reporters.
Challenging the Union Finance Minister to present any concrete initiatives benefiting Karnataka, he stated that he would not acknowledge her party or praise her unless she could justify her role in securing funds or projects for the state.
Before commenting on Karnataka’s economy, Sitharaman should first clarify what she has done for the state, he said, alleging that she has consistently neglected Karnataka’s interests.
Highlighting a specific instance, Parameshwara questioned why the Centre has yet to release ₹5,300 crore for the Upper Bhadra River Lift Irrigation Project, despite it being announced in the 2023-24 Union Budget.
He further defended Karnataka’s five guarantee schemes, aimed at benefiting weaker sections, arguing that they were implemented for the welfare of the people and not for political gains, as Sitharaman had allegedly suggested.
Refuting claims that Karnataka is financially struggling, Parameshwara asserted, "It's unfair to say that Karnataka has no money and has gone bankrupt."
His remarks come in the wake of continued criticism from the state government regarding the Centre’s alleged neglect of Karnataka’s funding requests and development priorities.
