New Delhi: Karnataka Congress MP D.K. Suresh on February 1 (Thursday) said that the people of South India might have to demand a separate country if “the injustice of not providing the rightful share of taxes (to the southern states) continued”.He criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Union government, highlighting the significant tax contributions from Karnataka but inadequate returns.BJP leaders in Karnataka condemned Suresh’s remarks, emphasising the need for responsible speech from elected representatives.“Today, if we see the share of taxes distributed, North India is getting more. From us (Karnataka) more than Rs 4 lakh crore is collected every year under various taxes. How much are we getting back? If it is not addressed in the 16th Finance Commission, then people of South India have to raise their voice,” he said.D.K. Shivakumar, who is Suresh’s brother, and Karnataka’s deputy chief minister, clarified that the statement reflected people’s sentiments. However, he added that India should remain united from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.Karnataka BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra said, “This is condemnable… Any people’s representative assumes power with an oath to uphold the sovereignty and unity of the nation. Maybe, I think, he has forgotten it.” he said.He added that such a statement during the 75th anniversary of the Indian constitution was unfortunate.Watch | ‘From Rejection of Entitlements to Rejection of Rights’: Interim Budget 2024Karnataka Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka, in a post on X, accused Suresh of calling for ‘Bharat Todo’.“On one hand, Rahul Gandhi is doing Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, (and) on the other hand, Congress MP and KPCC Chief D.K. Shivakumar’s brother, D.K. Suresh calls for Bharat Todo. This is exactly the same mindset of Congress which led to partition in India…. If an elected MP who has taken an oath to protect the sovereignty and integrity of India calls for dividing India, isn’t it a violation of his oath? Mallikarjun Kharge, isn’t this an insult to Babasaheb Ambedkar’s constitution?” Ashoka posted on X.On one hand @RahulGandhi is doing #BharatJodoNyayYatra, on the other hand @INCIndia MP and KPCC Chief @DKShivakumar‘s brother @DKSureshINC calls for Bharat Todo.This is exactly the same mindset of @INCIndia which led to partition in India.Mr @Jairam_Ramesh, if an electedMP… pic.twitter.com/LXF6H8TXvm— R. Ashoka (ಆರ್. ಅಶೋಕ) (@RAshokaBJP) February 1, 2024Shivakumar clarified that he aligns with the concept of “Akhand Bharat” and emphasised that Suresh was merely articulating the sentiments prevalent among the people. “People are thinking that way because we are being ignored. I am from Akhanada Bharat and India is one,” he said, adding that Suresh was just reflecting on how injustice was being meted out to the Southern states.Chief minister Siddaramaiah said one can make demands and put pressure on the Centre because India is a federal state. “We have agreed to federalism. Further, the state governments give taxes. Centre does not have its area to extract taxes. The tax money that goes from here is distributed to us by the Finance Commission. Now injustice has happened to us in tax distribution. Devolution of taxes is not happening properly. There was 1.07% decrease in devolution of taxes from 14th finance commission to 15th finance commission. It happened during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure,” he said.“We (Karnataka) are No.2 in the country in tax collection after Maharashtra. Yet, injustice is happening to us,” he said.