Priyank Kharge Fires Back at Piyush Goyal’s Remarks on Tax Allocation
Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge on Monday sharply criticized Union Minister Piyush Goyal for his comment that states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Punjab, and Bengal, which seek funds proportional to their tax contributions, are engaging in “petty thinking.” Kharge challenged Goyal to make similar statements about BJP-led states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, questioning their spending priorities.
Kharge accused the central government of neglecting critical sectors like education and infrastructure in states such as Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. “Let him visit Uttar Pradesh or Madhya Pradesh and speak the same way. Does he have the courage to say they don’t deserve the taxes they’re receiving due to their misuse of funds?” Kharge demanded, highlighting how some BJP-ruled states allocate funds to unproductive ventures like light shows in Ayodhya rather than key areas like education and infrastructure.
Kharge emphasized that while Karnataka is committed to supporting other states in a federal structure, it cannot compromise its own development. He called for a discussion based on statistics, particularly the state of education in states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar.
He also brought attention to Karnataka’s economic contributions, especially in the technology sector. “We are ready to help, but you cannot exploit states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. We are the ones creating jobs and driving economic growth,” Kharge remarked, pointing out that Karnataka is the world’s fourth-largest technology cluster.
Goyal’s original remarks, made at the ‘Rashtriya Ekatmata Yatra 2025’, had sparked controversy. He had argued that the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi focuses on developing eastern and northeastern states like Bihar and West Bengal, suggesting that other states should focus on national prosperity rather than demanding more funds.