Siddaramaiah trying to become leader of South India, says Vijayendra

Accusing Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of harbouring a divisive mindset, BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra alleged that the CM was trying to become the leader of South India

At a press conference in Shivamogga on February 2, Mr. Vijayendra stated that soon after becoming the Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah went to Delhi and staged a protest claiming, “Our Tax, Our Right.” “Now, in his reaction to the Union Budget, the Chief Minister has tried to instigate the Southern states against the Centre. He is attempting to become the leader of South India. His attitude is neither good for the State nor for the country,” he said.

As per the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission, Mr. Vijayendra stated that Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman increased the allocation of funds to the State in her Budget. The current commission has raised the allocation from the previous recommendation of 3.64% to 4.13%. “The State will receive approximately ₹7,387 crore more each year over the next five years. The Chief Minister needs to abandon his divisive approach. Previously, he tried to create divisions by advocating for a separate religious status for the Lingayat community,” he said.

Furthermore, in response to the Congress government’s slogan, “Our Tax, Our Right”, Mr. Vijayendra stated that tax revenue should be distributed among all States according to their needs. “In Karnataka, Bengaluru city contributes the highest amount to the State’s revenue. However, the funds generated in Bengaluru should also be utilised for the State’s underdeveloped areas. Similarly, the Centre must manage the taxes collected,” he opined.

He also said that the Union Budget addressed the needs of poor people, women, youth and farmers. “The budget has allocated funds to priority sectors and addressed the needs of all. It has emphasised empowering women and increased funding for higher education,” he added.