Non-BJP states 'always short changed': K'taka Minister Priyank Kharge on Centre's flood relief
Bengaluru (PTI): Expressing displeasure over the central government's flood relief allocation to Karnataka, Minister Priyank Kharge on Monday said the BJP ruled states consistently receive more funds, while states not aligned with the NDA or the saffron party are "always short changed".
Kharge, who holds the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj portfolio, said the funds released are just not enough, given the huge losses reported by the state.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has approved advance release of Rs 1,950.80 crore as second instalment of central share of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to Karnataka and Maharashtra for 2025-26.
Out of the total amount, Rs 384.40 crore has been allocated to Karnataka and Rs 1,566.40 crore for Maharashtra to help the two states provide immediate relief to people affected by extremely heavy rainfall and floods during the southwest monsoon this year, an official statement said on Sunday.
"It is becoming a regular practice by the central government where they stifle us by not giving us enough funds, although we are one of the highest GST collecting states, we are the highest IT (Income Tax) payee states, IT (Information Technology) exports we are number one, our contribution to GDP is more than 8.9 per cent," Kharge said in response to a question.
Speaking to reporters here, he said when it comes to the devolution of funds, devolution of taxes, Karnataka always faces unfair treatment.
"Even now as per the norms the funds that have been released, it is just not enough. We have reported huge losses. While BJP states get more, the states that are not with the NDA or BJP are always short changed," he added.
Several parts of Karnataka witnessed loss of lives, damage to property, crops and infrastructure due to rains and floods during the monsoon this year.
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Pat Cummins ruled out of T20 World Cup as Australia pick Ben Dwarshuis in 15-men squad
Melbourne (PTI): Australia suffered a huge blow on Saturday as premier pacer Pat Cummins was ruled out of the upcoming T20 World Cup due to an injury, forcing the national selectors to pick Ben Dwarshuis in his place in a 15-member squad.
Cummins, 32, has not recovered fully from his lingering back injury and will miss the tournament that begins in India and Sri Lanka on February 7, while top-order batter Matthew Short has also been omitted from the original 15-player squad.
Matthew Renshaw comes in for Short who was listed in the initial provisional squad.
Selector Tony Dodemaide said: "With Pat needing more time to recover from his back injury Ben is a ready replacement who offers a left arm pace option as well as dynamic fielding and late order hitting.
Cummins had initially been named in Australia's provisional squad.
"We believe his ability to swing the ball at good pace along with clever variations will be well suited to the conditions we expect and overall structure of the squad.
"Matt (Renshaw) has impressed in all formats of late, including in multiple roles in white ball formats for Australia, the Queensland Bulls and the Brisbane Heat.".
The trio of Josh Hazlewood, Tim David and Nathan Ellis have cleared the fitness test for the month-long T20 showpiece.
Hazlewood has not played since injuring his hamstring and Achilles prior to the Ashes. David missed most of the BBL and the Pakistan series because of a hamstring injury, while Ellis missed the Big Bash League finals and the Pakistan tour with a hamstring niggle.
"With the top order settled and spin heavy conditions expected in the pool stages in Sri Lanka, we also feel Matt provides extra middle order support, with Tim David completing his return to play program in the early phase of the tournament.
"As a left hander, he (Renshaw) also offers a point of difference to the middle order batting."
Australia is currently playing a three-game T20 Series against Pakistan in Lahore before leaving for Sri Lanka for the pool stages of the World Cup.
The T20 World Cup will be held in venues across India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8..
Australian squad: Australia squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
