Sitharaman Slams Siddaramaiah Over Rs 187 Crore Valmiki Scam

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticized Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for mishandling funds meant for the tribal Valmiki community. She referred to a Rs 187 crore scam involving the illegal transfer of Rs 88 crore, accusing Siddaramaiah of hiding facts and shifting blame. The scam has sparked outrage, particularly among the SC/ST communities.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has sharply criticized Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, questioning whether siphoning off funds meant for the tribal Valmiki community constitutes ‘Nyay’ (justice).

Sitharaman cited a Rs 187 crore scam within the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribe Corporation, alleging that Siddaramaiah is concealing facts and shifting blame to the central government because nationalized bank officials were involved in the illegal transfer of Rs 88 crore.

The minister pointed out that corrective measures have begun against the bank officials involved and demanded transparency from Siddaramaiah about the scandal. She emphasized that the scandal’s impact on the SC/ST communities is particularly outrageous, especially since the ruling Congress had previously campaigned on a platform of justice for downtrodden communities.