Karnataka Govt Boycotts NITI Aayog Meeting Over Budget 'Neglect'

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar defended the Congress government's decision to boycott the NITI Aayog meeting, stating that the state received a 'raw deal' in the Union Budget. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah echoed the sentiments, while BJP leaders criticized the boycott, calling it an insult to the people of Karnataka.

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, stating the state received an unfair allocation in the Union Budget. BJP leaders condemned the move.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized on Tuesday that the decision was a protest against the state's neglected demands in the Budget. “What is the point of attending a meeting without 'neeti,'” Shivakumar told reporters.

Opposition leader R Ashoka criticized the boycott as a political decision. BJP state president B Y Vijayendra urged the Chief Minister to participate in the NITI Aayog meeting to safeguard Karnataka's interests.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka government tabled the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill aimed at decentralizing municipal administration through the establishment of multiple city corporations.