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Key Points

Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has strongly criticized current CM Siddaramaiah for being more focused on politics than development. He accused Siddaramaiah of habitually blaming the central government for state issues rather than concentrating on governance. The CM responded by highlighting significant financial losses Karnataka faces due to GST reforms. Both leaders are locked in a heated debate over central funds allocation and state development priorities.

Key Points: Basavaraj Bommai Slams Siddaramaiah as Political CM Not Development CM

  • Bommai criticizes Siddaramaiah for blaming Centre instead of development focus
  • Accuses CM of politicizing GST reforms and fund sharing disputes
  • Siddaramaiah claims state faces Rs 15,000 crore annual GST loss
  • Karnataka government considers legal action for Rs 17,000 crore central grants
2 min read

More of a political CM than development CM: Basavaraj Bommai slams Siddaramiah

Former Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai accuses Siddaramaiah of politicizing GST reforms and central funds instead of focusing on state development projects.

"He is more of a political CM than a development CM - Basavaraj Bommai"

Haveri, October 4

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday accused Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah of "focusing more on attacking the Centre rather than focusing on development".

Basavaraj Bommai, a former Karnataka Chief Minister, referred to Siddaramiah's remarks on GST reforms campaign by the Centre and said these are benefitting people.

"It has become a habit for Siddaramaiah to blame the Centre for everything. The Centre has given whatever is due. He is trying to tell that he wants to go to the Court for the GST compensation. The whole nation knows that this concession (GST reforms) is going to the people and all the states are also members of the GST Council and they have passed it. Still, they want to go to the Court. There is a political design behind this. He wants to politicise everything, including the sharing of funds. He is more of a political CM than a development CM," he told ANI.

Siddaramaiah said that the central government's decision to simplify the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in the wake of the Bihar elections will cause an estimated loss of Rs 15,000 crore to the state annually.

"The central government implemented the GST in 2017 and fixed the GST rate. Will the central government, which has collected higher rates for the last eight years, return that money? The Centre is busy patting itself on the back by reducing the GST rate it had increased itself," he said.

"As recommended by the commission, we were not given Rs 5,490 crore, Rs 3,000 crore for lake development, Rs 3,000 crore for road construction, and Rs 5,000 crore for the Bhadra Upper River Project. A total of Rs 17,000 crore. The grant that was supposed to come has been misappropriated. Like last time, this time too, if necessary, they will seek court assistance and get central funding," he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
But Siddaramaiah has a point about the funds. If Karnataka is losing Rs 15,000 crore annually due to GST changes, that's a huge amount for our state's development. Both sides need to work together for Karnataka's benefit.
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Sarah B
As someone who recently moved to Bangalore, I see both sides. The GST reforms have definitely helped small businesses, but the state government's concerns about funding for infrastructure projects seem valid too.
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Vikram M
Typical political drama before elections! Both BJP and Congress are playing games. We common people just want good roads, clean water, and better facilities. Stop fighting and start working! 🙏
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Ananya R
The GST compensation issue is serious. If states aren't getting their due share, how can development happen? Siddaramaiah is right to fight for Karnataka's rights. Every CM should protect their state's interests.
M
Michael C
Having worked in both Indian and state governments, I can say this is a complex federal issue. Both sides have valid arguments, but the focus should be on finding solutions rather than public accusations.

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