'I can't do anything': Nirmala Sitharaman, Adhir Ranjan spar on Karnataka fund allocation

During the budget session, a heated exchange unfolded between Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury regarding the allocation of funds to Karnataka.

Chowdhury accused the Centre of withholding legitimate tax and GST dues from non-BJP states, specifically targeting the treatment of Congress-ruled Karnataka. He suggested that there was a perception of bias against states not governed by the BJP.

Sitharaman firmly rebutted these allegations, dismissing them as a "politically vitiated narrative" driven by vested interests. She emphasised that the distribution of funds to states is based on the recommendations of the Finance Commission and is executed without any partiality or political influence. Sitharaman clarified that as the Finance Minister, she has no authority to alter allocations based on personal preferences or party politics, ensuring adherence to rules and fairness in the financial devolution process.