Karnataka bankrupt, deflecting blame to Centre: Union Minister Joshi

Union Minister for Education Pralhad Joshi on Friday described Karnataka as a bankrupt State that is deflecting blame onto the Centre to conceal its own financial mismanagement.

Responding to questions about the State government's request for central assistance to deal with a worsening drought, Mr. Joshi said Karnataka had not provided details on the number of taluks affected or the extent of the rainfall deficit. He said the State should furnish these particulars, after which a central team would visit to assess the situation.

The Minister maintained that the Centre has consistently supported Karnataka, particularly on infrastructure projects.

Turning to the State's finances, Mr. Joshi placed responsibility on the Finance Department, which functions under the Chief Minister. He said the department itself has stated that the government has no money and has become bankrupt, and asked whether such a position could be attributed to him, to the Centre, or to the Union Finance Minister. He characterised it as the assessment of the State's own department.

The remarks come amid the State's push for additional central funds to address drought conditions.