MANDYA, 10 APRIL

Home Minister G Parameshwara has said that the state's financial status has improved, and it ranks second in the country in terms of investment and Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections.

The minister said the government has allocated funds in the budget for the five guarantees and accused the Central government of not cooperating in distributing the 10kg free rice scheme. “Instead, we paid for five kg,” he said.

He also questioned the Central government for increasing the price of the cooking gas cylinder, petrol and diesel.

"It is ironic that the BJP in the state is fighting against price hikes. The Central government has not properly allocated our tax share. Why did the Central government increase the prices of cooking gas cylinder, petrol and diesel? Do the BJP and the JD(S) not know what price has been raised?" he asked.

On Tuesday, Parameshwara responded to the criticisms he faced over his controversial comments on the Bengaluru molestation case. He highlighted the implementation of the Nirbhaya project, claiming that Karnataka has used more grants for the initiative than any other state. He also emphasised on taking measures for the protection of women and expressed regret if his remarks offended women.