Chief Minister Siddaramaiah accused the Centre of withholding disaster response funds from the state of Karnataka, stating that the people of Karnataka will “teach the BJP a lesson for their lies and betrayal.”
He also criticised Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for “perhaps deliberately confusing the two distinct funds,” NDRF and SDRF.
“The central government seems to have no regard for Karnataka. Having failed to take timely action to conduct the HLC (High Level Committee) meeting and decide on our NDRF claims, they are deploying central ministers to come to Bengaluru and give statements based either on half-truths or blatant lies, and they think people can be confused,” Siddaramaiah said in a post on ‘X’ Saturday,
Siddaramaiah also mocked Sitharaman, highlighting the difference between the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
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“Madam @nsitharaman, let me enlighten you as to how disaster management is dealt with. There are 2 funds: SDRF & NDRF. Funds under SDRF are allocated every year and this is shared between the centre and state in the ratio of 75:25. This fund is state’s right, & its quantum is determined by the Finance Commission SDRF is used for routine disaster relief. When the scale of the disaster is large, a memorandum is submitted to the centre for funds under NDRF. Drought in Karnataka is unprecedented, with 225 out of 250 taluks declared drought affected. The money available under SDRF is not sufficient to provide for crop failure of over 48 lakh hectares belonging to 34 lakh farmers. For providing relief for crop losses as per the norms, we need 4663 crores. This money is farmer’s right.”
Siddaramaiah also raised concerns about interest-free loans, stating “Furthermore, in response to queries regarding the Rs 6,000 crore earmarked for significant infrastructure and environmental projects, as endorsed by the Finance Commission, the Finance Minister pointed to interest-free loans provided by the Central Government. This raises a pertinent question: Why should Karnataka resort to loans when it is entitled to these funds as per the Commission’s recommendations?”
Siddaramaiah ended by questioning Sitharaman’s competence and comprehension of fiscal policies.
“These incidents cast doubt on the Finance Minister’s proficiency and understanding of fiscal policies. Is she genuinely equipped to navigate the complexities of the Finance Ministry, and does she grasp the basic tenets of financial governance?” Siddaramaiah said.
Karnataka, with 28 Lok Sabha seats, will conduct voting in two phases on April 26 and May 7. Vote counting will take place on June 4.
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