In pics: Karnataka ministers, Congress MLAs protest against Centre at Jantar Mantar

The Karnataka Congress government on Wednesday started a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, urging the Centre to allocate resources and funds to the state more equitably. The party has named this protest as "Chalo Delhi." (Photo: Agencies)

Chief minister Siddaramaiah clarified that the protest at Jantar Mantar was non-political, emphasising its focus on the interests of Karnataka and its people. (Photo: Agencies)

"We are asking for our rights, we are getting on 13 per cent of whatever percentage we are supposed to get. I do not mind if other states get the benefit. The policies, and schemes that they (Centre) have given to Gujarat, they should give the same to us also," Shivakumar said. (Photo: ANI)

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that the planned protest is not against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and that all MLAs should forget party lines and participate. (Photo: Agencies)

"Karnataka is number two as far as tax collection is concerned, Maharashtra is number one. As a matter of fact, this year Karnataka is contributing more than Rs 4.30 lakh crores as tax. If we collect Rs 100 as tax and give it to the government of India, we are only getting Rs 12-13 back, that is our share," CM Siddaramaiah said, while addressing the demonstrators at Jantar Mantar. (Photo: Agencies)

"Our main intention to protect interest of state and Kannadigas," said Karnataka CM Siddaramiah

Siddaramaiah has repeatedly criticized the central government for what he alleges as "stepmotherly" treatment towards Karnataka and disrespect towards the federal structure. "We are raising the issue of discrimination meted out by the government of India to the state of Karnataka and other southern states," Siddaramaiah said while addressing the protesters.

The protesters demanded that the Centre set right the losses to the tune of Rs 1.87 lakh crore allegedly incurred by Karnataka under the 15th Finance Commission. (Photo: ANI)