Congress MP proposes separate country for southern States |
OPINION: DK Suresh's premature remark was prompted by what he saw as dis-crimination in the Union budget although it may be erroneously interpreted as a sign of progression of the assertive regionalism emerging in States such as Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana and Punjab, with now Karnataka joining the bandwagon. When people in several States become restive and an unrest is brewing, it means something is definitely rotten in the city of Denmark! It must resolve itself over time! But not before some boulders appear on the path like a bolt from the blue.
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BENGALURU, Feb 2: Congress MP DK Suresh, brother of Karnataka Congress president
and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, has proposed creation of a separate
country of south Indian States.
The MP's alleged warning of creation of a separate southern country while attacking
the Centre over not releasing proportionate funds to southern States while dumping
money in certain northern States has stirred up a hornets' nest with several
leaders of different hues expressing opposition to such proposals.
The Bengaluru Rural MP's statement to reporters on Thursday was in reaction
to the 2024 budget presented in Parliament.
This is said to be the first such instance of a politician bringing up such
an issue in Karnataka.
Although Tamil Nadu has been taking a strong anti-Centre stand and have seen
violent agitations over imposition of Hindi, the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
(DMK) has not made such a separatist demand. However, there were isolated cases
of voices being raised in the past reflecting such a demand by some politicians
in the State.
Suresh said injustice is meted out to the southern States in tax distribution
while the tax money is distributed to northern States. Injustice is caused to
the southern States by the Hindi-speaking States. “Our tax money is being distributed
to north India, if we don’t condemn it there might arise a situation where we
will have to demand for a separate nation,” DK Suresh said while responding
to a question on the Interim Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
in the Lok Sabha.
“A proud Indian and a proud Kannadiga! South India and especially Karnataka
have faced the brutality of injustice in funds distribution. Even after being
the 2nd largest GST-contributing state, the Centre has been utterly unjust to
Karnataka and Southern states while states like Gujarat have seen a 51 per cent
hike. If this is not injustice, then what is?” he asked.
“Today, if we see the share of taxes distributed, North India is getting more.
From us (Karnataka) more than Rs 4 lakh crore is collected every year under
various taxes. How much are we getting back? If it is not addressed in the 16th
Finance Commission, then people of South India have to raise their voice,” he
said. He also highlighted the denial of the additional grant recommended by
the 15th Finance Commission.
However, the MP who described himself a a "proud Indian", issued a clarification
for his “separate country for South India” remark. He said later that the intention
was to bring to notice the “injustice in funds distribution” by the BJP-led
Central Government.
Congress leader and Karnataka Chief Minister CM Siddaramaiah, responding to
Suresh's remark, said one cannot ask for a separate nation. He said, “In a federal
state you can ask for what belongs to you, but not for a separate nation.”
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that Suresh “had just talked about
the views among the people”. “People are thinking that way because we are being
ignored. I am from Akhanada Bharat and India is one,” he said.
Reacting to the MP's statement, other Ministers also echoed the sentiment of
injustice towards the southern States.
The BJP lashed out at the Congress for “hatching a dangerous plot to partition
India yet again (after Pakistan).” “Faced with constant rejection by Indians,
Congress is now seeding secessionism. Following Nehru’s legacy, Karnataka Deputy
CM @DKShivakumar’s brother, @DKSureshINC demands a separate country. If Congress
leaders do not wish to live in India, they are more than welcome to quit India
and move to their 'Motherland' Italy,” the BJP attacked the Congress MP on X.
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