Karnataka: Shivakumar dismisses BJP protest over Finance Dept warning as political posturing

Bengaluru: Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday dismissed the BJP’s protest with empty pots over the Finance Department’s warning on the state’s financial position, saying such advisory notes were part of the department’s routine responsibility and not a political issue.

“Regarding the BJP’s protest holding empty pots, it was an advice given by the Finance Department. The department issues such cautions, and that is its duty,” Shivakumar said.

He said the department had issued similar warnings under previous governments, including those led by former CMs BS Yediyurappa and Basavaraj Bommai.


“Whether it was the BS Yediyurappa government or the Basavaraj Bommai government, the Finance Department has given such advice during every government. It is the department’s duty,” he said.

Shivakumar said the prevailing drought situation could put additional pressure on the finances of both the state and the Centre.

“Since there is a drought situation now, a lot of financial difficulties may arise in the country and in the state. This is not a political issue,” he said.

The BJP has used the Finance Department’s caution to target the state government over its fiscal management and demanded Shivakumar’s resignation.

Reacting to the demand, Shivakumar said: “They want my resignation. Okay, let them have it.”