Karnataka Urban Development Minister Dr Yathindra Siddaramaiah has warned that the state may launch a protest against the Centre if drought relief funds and Karnataka’s share of tax revenues are delayed further.
Speaking to media representatives in Raichur on Sunday, Siddaramaiah said the Centre should release the funds before the state is forced to approach the courts again. He said drought relief was not only the responsibility of the state government but also of the Union government.
“Before the situation reaches a stage where we have to approach the court, the tax share due to the state and drought relief should be released,” Siddaramaiah said, according to Prajavani. “If not, it will become inevitable to launch a protest.”
The minister said the Centre was required to release drought assistance under the rules of the National Disaster Response Fund, or NDRF. He alleged that the state had sought the funds earlier but had not received the relief, forcing it to approach the Supreme Court.
“If there is a delay in providing relief, it will be inevitable to fight against the Centre,” Siddaramaiah said.
He also linked the dispute to Karnataka’s share of tax revenues. According to the minister, Karnataka contributes a substantial amount in taxes to the Centre but does not receive an adequate share when the state raises the issue. He said the state had previously held a protest in New Delhi, but approached the Supreme Court after Central government representatives did not meet Karnataka officials.
The minister’s comments come as Karnataka continues to press its case over fiscal transfers and disaster assistance. His remarks did not include details of a proposed protest, such as its date, location or participating organisations. The report also did not include a response from the Union government on the claims regarding drought relief or tax devolution.
Siddaramaiah also criticised a BJP-led padayatra in the state, describing it as politically motivated and intended mainly for publicity. He said the padayatra’s stated demand had been the resignation of minister Nagendra, but that Nagendra had resigned on moral grounds before the march began.
The minister rejected BJP leaders’ claims that another minister could resign from the state government. He described those statements as speculation and said no further “wicket” would fall from the government.
Legislative Council member N.S. Boseraju and Congress leaders Mohammed Shalam and Nagaveni were also present. The minister did not announce a specific deadline for the Centre to release the drought relief or tax funds.
