Dakshina Kannada Member of Parliament, Captain Brijesh Chowta, recently accused the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in Karnataka of deliberately spreading misinformation. According to Chowta, the state government is struggling to accept the significant relief provided by recent GST reforms, prompting this campaign of falsehoods.
In a strong statement, Captain Chowta asserted that the Congress government appears unsettled by the widespread success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘people-first’ GST rationalization. These reforms have brought tangible relief across India, benefiting citizens, traders, and middle-class families alike. Many goods previously subject to 12% or 18% tax rates are now taxed at just 5%, while items in the 28% slab have been moved to the 18% bracket. This has translated into annual savings of thousands of rupees for families and reduced burdens for small businesses.
Political Insecurity Behind the Criticism
Chowta highlighted that Karnataka’s own ministers and officials had, in fact, supported these rate rationalizations during the GST Council meetings, with no opposition or objections raised. The decisions were reached unanimously, with Karnataka having its representatives present. He further pointed out that the State’s Revenue Minister had previously acknowledged that Karnataka’s robust tax buoyancy would easily compensate for any short-term revenue fluctuations.
Therefore, Chowta argues, the Chief Minister’s sudden criticism of reforms that his own government previously endorsed is not a matter of genuine fiscal concern. Instead, it clearly signals political insecurity.
Regarding the claim of a ₹15,000 crore loss for Karnataka, Captain Chowta dismissed it as baseless, stating there is no official documentation to support such a figure. He clarified that every rupee of GST collected has been distributed among the states in strict adherence to GST Council decisions, and Karnataka has received its rightful and complete share.
Furthermore, the MP accused the Congress government of being directly responsible for Karnataka’s transition from a revenue-surplus to a revenue-deficit state. He noted that even within the Congress party, there’s an acknowledgment of the state’s financial difficulties. As recently as October 21, Karnataka’s own economic advisor revealed an annual loss of ₹400 crore due to the illegal sand mafia and alleged collusion between officials and smuggling networks.
Chowta starkly contrasted the two administrations: while the Modi government is actively working to reduce taxes, stimulate economic growth, and empower the middle class, the Karnataka Congress government is reportedly increasing costs, mismanaging public funds, and resorting to excuses.
In conclusion, Captain Chowta stated that the people of Karnataka can clearly discern which government is genuinely delivering relief and which is merely engaging in political theatrics.