"There is no friction between us": Pralhad Joshi asserts Centre, Karnataka govt will walk path of cooperation
New Delhi, July 28
Dismissing reports of discord, Union Education Minister and BJP MP from Dharwad Pralhad Joshi on Monday stated that there is no friction between the Centre and the Karnataka government, emphasising that both sides have agreed to collaborate for the state's development and the welfare of its people.
Speaking to ANI, Joshi underlined that development cannot be achieved by fighting over "petty political issues," and called for a unified approach to build a 'Viksit Bharat'.
"There is no friction between us. Moving forward, we said we will walk on the path of cooperation. They also said that if we walk on the path of cooperation, we--for the soil, water, culture, language, and the welfare of the people of Karnataka--will offer our full support," Joshi said.
Joshi defended the Centre's financial allocations to the state, noting that Karnataka's tax devolution has increased by 0.67 per cent following Finance Commission discussions.
He added that while previous infrastructure allocations for roads, railways, and irrigation ranged from Rs 500 crore to Rs 700 crore, the Centre has provided nearly Rs 8,000 crore to Karnataka over the last decade.
Addressing the Mahadayi issue, the Union Minister stated that the central government has challenged the Goa government's order in the Supreme Court to seek a resolution.
He highlighted that the current administration has already secured environmental clearance, gazette notification, and approval for the Detailed Project Report (DPR).
Joshi confirmed the Centre is coordinating with Union Minister CR Patil regarding excess water from the Mahanadi and the linking of the Cauvery, Krishna, and Godavari rivers. Following the Prime Minister's instructions, a special task force will be formed for desilting dams using advanced technology, an initiative welcomed by the Karnataka Chief Minister.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Pralhad Joshi is doing a balancing act here. The ₹8,000 crore figure sounds impressive, but we need transparency in how it's spent. Also, the Mahadayi issue is old—hope SC resolves it soon. Karnataka's water woes are real.
Interesting to see a Union Minister from the ruling party praising cooperation with a state government led by a different party. That's rare here in the US, but in India's federal system, it makes sense for development. Hope the desilting project helps farmers.
Viksit Bharat ka sapna tabhi sach hoga jab centre-state fights khatam hongi. But honestly, I'm skeptical. Karnataka has given so much tax to the Centre—0.67% increase in devolution is peanuts. Should demand more equitable funding. 😐
As an outsider, it's fascinating how Indian politics manages both competition and collaboration. The river linking project sounds ambitious—Cauvery, Krishna, Godavari—that could transform agriculture if done right. Let's hope politics doesn't derail it.
Joshi ji is right—development needs cooperation. But why did it take so long? Karnataka's infrastructure is crying for upgrade, and our state is losing resources to other states. At least CM Siddaramaiah seems on board now. Let's see if the special task force delivers.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.