25-05-2025
CM misses Niti Aayog meet; none to read his speech
Bengaluru:
Karnataka chief minister
Siddaramaiah
did not attend Niti Aayog meeting on Saturday – conspicuous in itself as it was meant for CMs – but took quick damage-control steps a day later, claiming it's not a "boycott" and had to give the meeting a miss due to "pre-rescheduled programmes" in his home district of Mysuru.
While Karnataka's dissent over alleged injustice by the Centre in resource sharing with states is well known, the CM did not say he chose to stay away from the meeting. The CMs from Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Himachal Pradesh, among others, were present.
The gaffe was more glaring since there was no representative from Karnataka at the meeting to read out Siddaramaiah's speech.
In an afterthought, the CMO released a statement in which Siddaramaiah acknowledged the importance of Niti Aayog meet and expressed inability to attend the event in person.
"Although I'm unable to attend this very important meeting in person, it is an honour to share my thoughts on the significant topic of 'India at 2047 and Karnataka's Role in Nation Building'," he said in the statement.
For the record, the CM attended a series of local events, including inauguration of Indira Canteens and Basava Jayanti, in Mysuru on Saturday.
CMO sources said Siddaramaiah "could not depute" anybody else since the Centre informed the state govts that the meet was for the CMs.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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Gesunde Apotheke
Undo
It is a normal practice that revenue minister Krishna Byregowda represents Siddaramaiah at GST Council meetings. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan had initially deputed finance minister Bala Gopal, but pulled him back.
Economists and political parties have taken exception to the CM's absence. CM's economic advisor Basavaraj Rayareddi said, "The Niti Aayog meet is meant to be attended by CMs. But there is no hard-and-fast rule.
First, Siddaramaiah, being one of the senior-most CMs in the country and an expert in public finance, should have attended it. Second, he should have reached out to the Centre. This will be taken care of in the future.
"
Experts said progressive states like Karnataka should always be at the forefront of forums like Niti Aayog with valuable suggestions. "The Niti Aayog is the only forum where CMs get an opportunity to interact directly with the Prime Minister.
No state should miss it. The Centre should be constructive and ensure adequate time for CMs to air their views at the meet," said D Rajashekhar, director of Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC).
The CMO statement highlighted the state's initiatives in the green energy sector and establishing Karnataka as South Asia's Electric Vehicle capital in the next 1,000 days. He also highlighted the success of Karnataka model of universal basic income through the implementation of guarantee schemes.
