Crisis Cash Confrontation: Karnataka's Political Rift Over Relief Funds

In a heated political saga over drought relief funds in Karnataka, tensions have escalated between the state government and the central administration. With the release of 3,400 crore rupees in relief funds by the Centre on Saturday, following the Supreme Court's intervention, the stage was set for a showdown. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, flanked by Deputy CM DK Shivakumar and party supporters, took to the streets in protest at the Vidhan Soudha against the perceived injustice from the central government. Siddaramaiah's administration alleged that the Centre had only sanctioned 3,454 crore rupees, significantly short of their demand for 18,171 crore rupees. Amidst the political uproar, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wasted no time in criticizing the Siddaramaiah-led government, applauding the Centre's decision and portraying it as a triumph for governance. Meanwhile, the Congress government in Karnataka has seized upon the reduction of central grants to the state as a central campaign issue, aiming to rally support ahead of the impending third phase of polls.