Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister G. Parameshwara have emphatically committed themselves to fostering comprehensive development across the state. This reassurance comes in response to recent complaints from various quarters regarding alleged discrimination in the allocation of grants to Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
Addressing journalists in Mysuru, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah responded to news of a Janata Dal (Secular) MLA initiating High Court proceedings over the grant disparity. He reiterated his government’s unwavering dedication to equitable state-wide progress, promising that development funds would indeed be allocated to all MLAs, irrespective of their political affiliation.
In a pointed counter-question, Mr. Siddaramaiah challenged the JD(S), asking if they had extended similar financial support to Congress MLAs during their own previous tenure in power.
When pressed on the alleged funding imbalances, Home Minister Parameshwara clarified that the Chief Minister was distributing a substantial grant of ₹50 crore to each MLA. He added that even opposition MLAs were receiving a significant ₹25 crore each.
Mr. Parameshwara further detailed that a designated segment of these grants is earmarked for crucial public infrastructure projects, such as road repairs, under the purview of the Public Works Department. The remaining funds, he noted, could be utilized at the MLAs’ discretion for vital sectors like health, education, and various zilla panchayat initiatives.
The Home Minister didn’t shy away from directing criticism towards the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing the previous saffron-led administration of having actively discriminated against Congress MLAs during its time in office.
He firmly asserted that the current Congress government would, however, steer clear of such discriminatory practices. ‘We are committed to providing funds for the holistic and comprehensive development of the entire state,’ he declared.