Centre has given more funds than before, yet CM blames it politically: Basavaraj Bommai
Bengaluru: Former Chief Minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday criticised Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, claiming that the state is receiving more funds from the Centre under the 15th Finance Commission than it did under the 14th, yet the CM is making political allegations against the Union government due to an inability to manage finances for the state’s guarantee schemes.
Speaking to the media, Bommai stated that the Centre has allocated over ₹1 lakh crore more to Karnataka under the 15th Finance Commission. “Siddaramaiah is repeating what he has said many times before, and most of it has been misleading,” he said. “PM Narendra Modi increased the Centre’s share in devolution from 32% to 42%, which Siddaramaiah knows but chooses to ignore. Everyone is now demanding that it be raised further to 50%.”
Bommai pointed out that five Congress ministers were part of the discussions during the 14th Finance Commission, yet they failed to effectively present Karnataka's case. “Now they are trying to cover up their failures by blaming the Centre,” he alleged.
He also noted that during the UPA regime, only ₹700 crore was sanctioned for railway projects in Karnataka, while the current NDA government has allotted ₹7,700 crore. However, he said the state government is unable to provide the required matching grants. “The Centre is funding various projects in health, rural development, and road infrastructure, but the state government refuses to acknowledge it,” he added.
On the issue of caste census, Bommai remarked, “Only the central government has the authority to conduct a caste-based census. The CM is misleading the backward communities. Siddaramaiah has been CM for ten years—why didn’t he do it earlier? He was in a tough spot over this issue, and the party high command had to come to his rescue.”
Commenting on international matters, Bommai expressed concern over Israel’s attack on Iran, calling it “shocking.” He urged world leaders to make serious efforts to stop wars, including the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, as these have global repercussions.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Probe into Zubeen Garg's death ongoing, no foul play suspected yet: Singapore police
Singapore (PTI): Investigations into the death of singer Zubeen Garg are ongoing but so far no foul play is suspected, Singapore police have said.
Garg died under mysterious circumstances while swimming in the sea in Singapore on September 19.
The case is currently still being investigated by the Singapore Police Force (SPF), in accordance with the Singapore Coroners Act 2010, the police said on Thursday.
“Based on our investigations so far, the SPF does not suspect foul play in the death of Garg,” said the statement.
ALSO READ: 12 cases filed for pro-Pakistan slogans in 3 years, says Parameshwara
Upon completion of the investigations, the findings will be submitted to the State Coroner in Singapore, who will hold a Coroner’s Inquiry (CI), currently scheduled for January and February 2026.
A CI is a fact-finding process led by the Coroner to establish the cause and circumstances of death. Its findings will be made public upon conclusion, said the SPF.
Singapore police are committed to conducting a thorough and professional investigation into the case, it said.
“We seek the patience and understanding of the parties involved. Meanwhile, we urge the public not to speculate and spread unverified information,” said SPF.
A Special Investigation Team probing Garg's death charged four accused, including the singer’s secretary Siddhartha Sharma and festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, with murder in a chargesheet filed in a court in India last week.
Garg was due to perform at the 4th Northeast India Festival at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre on September 20.
