Priyank Kharge blames Centre for blocking U.S. visit, halting ₹15,000 crore investment
Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj and Kalaburagi district in-charge Priyank Kharge has criticised the Union government for 'denying him permission to travel to the United States' and claimed that the Centre's move has resulted in a loss of a ₹15,000 crore investment opportunity and around 3,000 potential jobs that the investment would have generated in the State.
Addressing the media at the Aiwan-e-Shahi Guest House in Kalaburagi on Tuesday, Mr. Priyank said: 'If not for political reasons, then what else? Due to the Union Government's refusal, Karnataka missed out on significant capital inflow and thousands of employment opportunities.'
He recalled a previous visit to the US with Minister M.B. Patil, which had resulted in ₹32,000 crore worth of investment agreements and led to the creation of nearly 20,000 jobs in the state.
Mr. Priynak further stated that a letter has been sent to the Union Minister of External Affairs seeking clarification on the denial of travel clearance, but no response has been received yet.
'Has the Centre ever responded to our letters?' he asked, sarcastically describing the NDA government as a 'no data available' regime. Responding to whether the US trip could still be made, he remarked, 'What's the use of buying a ticket after the train has left?'
'On the one hand, the Union Government denied Karnataka this investment opportunity because of its vendetta politics. On the other hand, it has been extending financial support to other states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat and Assam. In Assam, a semiconductor unit is being set up with subsidies. Here, we struggle while they reap the benefits,' he added.
'Let B.R. Patil speak party leaders'
Responding to the questions regarding the recent remarks by senior MLA B.R. Patil, who had alleged widespread corruption in Housing Department, Mr. Priyank said that he respected Mr. Patil's commitment to principles and urged him to raise concerns directly with the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, or All India Congress Committee President Mallikarjun Kharge instead of making public statements that could embarrass the government. 'Such matters should be discussed on appropriate platforms,' he said.
Responding to MLA Raju Kage's statement, Mr. Priyank said that every MLA in the state naturally expected more funds for their constituency, and added nothing wrong in it.
'The problem arose because of the Union Government's apathy in releasing grants to the state. Karnataka has not received ₹50,000 crore from its share as per the 15th Finance Commission, which has led to financial difficulties. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, the Centre was supposed to release ₹2,700 crore for development works, but has released only ₹500 crore so far. We didn't want to stop the work halfway, so the state released funds from its own resources to continue the projects,' he explained and added that the state government has allocated ₹5,000 crore for the improvement of rural roads under the Pragati Path and Kalyana Path schemes.
Mr. Priyank also responded to criticism from BJP leaders regarding state development, countering that ₹50,000 crore has been spent on guarantee schemes to ensure economic stability for citizens, especially in the face of the Centre's indifference. 'Due to the 15th Finance Commission, Karnataka is yet to receive ₹50,000 crore it is owed. This has worsened our fiscal challenges,' he said.
Mr. Priyank also criticised the BJP for demanding the resignation of Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan, turning the question back by pointing out that even BJP leaders are demanding the resignation of their own state party president.
Legislators Allamprabhu Patil, Tippannappa Kamaknoor and Jagadev Guttedar were present during the interaction.
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