DK Shivakumar Accuses Centre of 'Step-Motherly' Treatment to Karnataka
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has launched a scathing attack on the central government, alleging "step-motherly" treatment towards the southern state. In a strongly worded statement, Shivakumar criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Members of Parliament from Karnataka for what he described as their failure to raise their voice against this perceived injustice in the Parliament.
Shivakumar Questions Repeal of Key Legislation
Shivakumar highlighted that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had raised the critical issue of the VB-G RAM G Act in the legislative assembly. The Deputy CM questioned the rationale behind the proposed repeal of this significant legislation, which he implied is part of a broader pattern of neglect towards Karnataka's interests by the Centre.
Political Implications and State Concerns
The accusations come at a time when:
- Centre-state relations are under scrutiny across various policy domains
- Karnataka has been seeking greater attention to its developmental needs
- The political dynamics between the Congress-ruled state and BJP-led Centre remain tense
Shivakumar's remarks underscore the growing frustration within the Karnataka government regarding what they perceive as inadequate representation of state interests at the national level. The Deputy CM's criticism specifically targets BJP parliamentarians from Karnataka, suggesting they have not been vocal enough in advocating for the state's concerns in Delhi.
Broader Context of Federal Relations
This development reflects the ongoing challenges in India's federal structure, where states often feel their specific needs are not adequately addressed by central policies. The reference to the VB-G RAM G Act suggests there are substantive legislative matters at stake beyond political rhetoric.
The timing of these comments, coming from a senior Congress leader in a key southern state, adds significant weight to the criticism and may influence political discourse in the region ahead of future electoral contests.
