BENGALURU, 6 FEB 

Stepping up the attack on the BJP-led government at the Centre, the ruling Congress in Karnataka led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will stage a protest in New Delhi on Wednesday, alleging "injustice" to the State in tax devolution and grants-in-aid over the past few years.

The protest by all Congress legislators and MPs from the State, including Ministers, will begin at 11am on Wednesday at Jantar Mantar in the national capital. The protesters would demand Centre set right the losses allegedly incurred by Karnataka to the tune of Rs 1.87 lakh crore, during five years under 15th Finance Commission.

Incidentally, CPI (M) veteran and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, along with his Cabinet colleagues will stage a protest in the national capital against the Centre's alleged negligence towards the southern State on Thursday.

However, BJP leaders including Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman have come down heavily on allegations that the Centre is withholding funds meant for non-BJP governed states including Karnataka, saying it is a "politically-vitiated narrative" that "vested interests" are happy to go about saying so.

Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said the protest is a "political stunt" to diverting attention from the mistakes of the Congress government. 

CM writes letter to MPs

Siddaramaiah on Tuesday wrote letters to all Members of Parliament of State requesting them to take part in Delhi Chalo protest against Central government condemning the financial injustice committed towards Karnataka. Led by Siddaramaiah, all the MLAs and MP DK Suresh will participate in the protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Wednesday. 

Of the 28 Lok Sabha members in the State, 27 are BJP MPs, one MP, Prajwal Revanna, is from JD(S) and Sumalatha Ambareesh is an independent candidate representing Mandya. The letters were addressed to Rajya Sabha members from the State, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.  

In the letter, Siddaramaiah said, “The gross injustice in the distribution of tax share to Karnataka, neglect and delay in giving permission and assistance for projects, are affecting the life of the people of the State. The elected representatives are aware of this. On behalf of all the people of Karnataka, I request you to participate in this agitation, and make it a success.”

However, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya declined the invitation on X. He said, "I politely decline Karnataka CM Sri Siddaramaiah’s invitation to attend tomorrow’s faux protest. I will, however, address a press conference at New Delhi, to expose the devious, divisive & false propaganda of the CM & Congress with respect to tax devolution to Karnataka."