Bengaluru, Apr 4 (DHNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday slammed the Siddaramaiah government for criticising the Centre for cutting down financial grants and said his government had increased them by 200 per cent.

“I do not know whether the Karnataka government has welcomed our move or not. Karnataka had got Rs 14,600 crore in 2014-15. In its 70 years journey, the State had got Rs 14,600 crore. Our government has increased it to Rs 24,800 crore in one year. This is because we have faith in the states. We want to the states to spend this money on providing infrastructure and other developmental activities. So, I have emptied the treasury in Delhi,” he stated while addressing a public rally at the National College grounds.The Siddaramaiah government had accused the Narendra Modi-led government of cutting down grants to Karnataka in the financial year 2015-16.

The chief minister had also opposed Niti Ayog set up by Modi, replacing the Planning Commission of India.

Narendra Modi further said Karnataka had got Rs 61,700 crore during the thirteenth Finance Commission period (2010-15).

It has been increased to Rs 1,83,500 crore under the 14th Finance Commission (2015-20). This is almost a 200 per cent jump.

“The Centre wants to implement the concept of co-operative federalism in true letter and spirit. All kinds of assistance will be given to the states irrespective of the party in power,” he said.