Karnataka Boycotts NITI Aayog Meeting Over Union Budget Discontent

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar defended the state's decision to boycott the NITI Aayog meeting on July 27, citing dissatisfaction with the Union Budget. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah echoed these sentiments, highlighting the neglect of Karnataka's demands. The proposed Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill also faced opposition from the BJP.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday defended the Congress government's decision to boycott the July 27 meeting of the NITI Aayog, arguing that the State received a raw deal in the Union Budget and its interests were not protected.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday announced that the boycott is a mark of protest against the perceived neglect of Karnataka’s demands. “What is the point of attending a NITI Aayog meeting when it doesn’t have ‘neeti’? Karnataka has received a raw deal. Our interests are not protected. Hence, we have decided to stage a protest,” Shivakumar stated.

Siddaramaiah criticized Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, stating that despite efforts to discuss Karnataka's needs, the Union Budget overlooked them. “Kannadigas are not being heard; attending the meeting serves no purpose,” Siddaramaiah said.

In another development, Shivakumar addressed the BJP's opposition to the proposed Greater Bengaluru Governance (GBA) Bill. “They are politicizing this. I have tabled it for detailed debate. Bengaluru is growing uncontrollably and needs good governance,” he noted. The Bill aims to decentralize municipal administration by creating up to ten city corporations.