Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara fired off a broadside against the Centre Wednesday, charging that southern states endure blatant financial discrimination, particularly in GST payouts and infrastructure awards. Aligning with CM Siddaramaiah’s nod to Tamil Nadu’s MK Stalin on federal strengthening, he laid bare the inequities during a media briefing in Bengaluru.
‘Prime projects flock northwards, sidelining our contributions,’ Parameshwara charged. ‘As the second-biggest GST contributor, we merit fair shares—not this lopsided deal. Southern voices are uniting to press this legitimate claim.’
Addressing flak over elevated state borrowings, he pivoted to defense mode. ‘We’re fiscal eagles within bounds—25% limit intact, lowest debt in the south. Maharashtra’s crossed 95 lakh crore; we’re paragons of discipline.’
Speculation over CM-deputy tensions drew a cool response. Shivakumar’s dinner summons for leaders? ‘Standard fare in democracy, from 1952 onwards. It’s a welcome gesture of restraint, bolstering party harmony.’
This outburst spotlights simmering federal frictions, where southern dynamism clashes with northern favoritism claims. As accusations mount, stakeholders watch closely: will Delhi recalibrate allocations to soothe regional grievances, or deepen the rift? Parameshwara’s stance amplifies a clarion call for balanced federalism in India’s diverse union.