“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 as 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 added.

Suresh’s comment drew robust condemnation from BJP leaders, whilst Karnataka Deputy CM D Okay Shivakumar – brother of Suresh – maintained that Suresh was voicing the views of the folks and India ought to stay united.

Karnataka BJP president B Y Vijayendra reacted sharply to the remarks saying that Suresh, being an MP, ought to communicate responsibly. “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 mentioned.

Karnataka Leader of Opposition, R Ashok, in a tweet mentioned Suresh was calling for ‘Bharat Todo (Break India)’.

“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 – avare, isn’t this an insult to Babasaheb Ambedkar’s constitution?” he posted on X.

Responding to the statements, Shivakumar mentioned he was “from Akhand Bharat” and Suresh “had just talked about the views among the people. People are thinking that way because we are being ignored. I am from Akhand Bharat and India is one.”