Addressing the Lok Sabha on Monday, Sitharaman labeled these accusations as a “politically vitiated narrative propagated by vested interest groups.” Chowdhury, the leader of the opposition, asserted a widespread belief that non-BJP states, including Congress-ruled Karnataka, are being unjustly deprived of their legitimate dues.

Sitharaman responded, clarifying that she adheres to the rules and procedures dictated by the Finance Commission for the devolution of taxes to states. She emphasized that the Finance Commission’s recommendations are implemented without bias, and no finance minister can arbitrarily intervene in the process.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman vehemently rejected allegations made by Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, asserting, “There is just no possibility of any Finance Minister intervening and saying, ‘I don’t like this state, so stop payment. No way.” Sitharaman criticized Chowdhury’s previous assertions that everything was “hunky dory” until six months ago. She questioned the sudden change and suggested that if there were issues, they should be addressed without blaming the central government.

Growing increasingly exasperated, Sitharaman urged Chowdhury to discuss concerns with the Finance Commission, emphasizing her adherence to established rules and procedures. “I can’t do anything if the Finance Commission doesn’t tell me to do… Adhirji, please don’t imagine I have any discretion,” she concluded with a namaste gesture as she sat down.

In a related development, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah announced plans to lead a protest in Delhi on February 7 against what the state perceives as step-motherly treatment by the central government.

Siddaramiah clarified that the protest is not politically motivated but aimed at highlighting concerns about the central government’s handling of issues, especially during times of drought. “We follow the federal system, and that’s why we have organized this protest. They are misleading and telling lies to the people of the country and the state,” Siddaramiah said, expressing dissatisfaction with the central government’s budget allocation, devolution, and grants to the state. As tensions rise, Karnataka vows to strongly oppose the central government’s actions before the Finance Commission, citing discrepancies in budget allocations and accusing the center of withholding funds.