Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar heads to Delhi ahead of GST Council meeting

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar left for New Delhi on Tuesday, a day before the 57th GST Council meeting scheduled for Oct 8. Sources said the trip may also let him meet senior Congress leaders to discuss pending issues such as appointments to the Legislative Council, nominations to various boards and corporations, and the two vacant State Cabinet posts. Senior Congress figures, including Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi, are occupied with protests against the Election Commission of India, so it is unclear whether those talks will happen. Shivakumar had visited Delhi the previous week for a Congress Working Committee meeting, where he met Union Ministers and raised concerns about Karnataka’s drought, ongoing development projects and irrigation schemes. He also submitted memoranda urging the release of funds owed to the state.

Context

GST Council meetings bring together state and central finance ministers to decide on tax rates and related policies, affecting revenue and prices across India.