Modi challenges BJP's South India absence narrative, emphasising historical ties, condemning regional division attempts, and asserting commitment to Kerala's progress
Experts said the Centre would comfortably meet the downwardly revised fiscal deficit target for the fiscal. The fiscal deficit in absolute terms was revised down to ₹ 17.35 lakh crore or 5.8% of gross domestic product (GDP) from the earlier budget estimate of ₹17.87 lakh crore.
Karnataka s GST Council rep challenges FM for debate on tax devolution claims. Minister disputes FM s assertion on taxes, seeks special grants. BJP CMs back Karnataka s claim. FM denies bias, rejects special grant allegations.
Amidst controversies, Sitharaman reaffirms Centre s timely allocation of funds, highlighting significant disbursements for Karnataka s development initiatives
The Centre needs to revisit the 'income distance' criterion, which gets a heavy weightage in the computation of tax devolution. Southern states, in turn, need to address their own pain points. It's give some, take some.