Mangaluru: Centre not showing favouritism to any state, says Nirmala Sitharaman

Mangaluru: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman dismissed allegations by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah that the Centre was showing “step-motherly” treatment towards the state. Sitharaman stated that these accusations are unfounded, reiterating that financial allocations are determined as per the Finance Commission’s recommendations.

Addressing an informal gathering organized by the Citizen’s Council at T.V. Raman Pai Hall in the city, Sitharaman emphasized that the Centre allocates funds without discrimination, adding that more funds have been disbursed over the last 10 years under NDA governance than during the UPA regime.

Responding to questions about states like Bihar receiving higher funds compared to Kerala and Manipur, Sitharaman clarified that states with recurring issues, like Bihar’s annual flooding from the Kosi River, are prioritized for relief but this does not imply negligence towards other states. She mentioned that Kerala, like Karnataka, is engaging in political allegations without basis.