On GST Dues Row, Nirmala Sitharaman Slams Adhir Ranjan's "Hunky Dory" Jab

The exchange came at the tail end of a debate on the "financial viability of states/union territories", and was triggered by the Congress leader accusing the ruling BJP, of discriminating against opposition-ruled states.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury sparred in Parliament Monday over allegations non-BJP state governments - specifically those in South India - are "deprived of their (financial) dues" and allocations, including those related to GST compensation.

An incensed Ms Sitharaman hit back, explaining "devolution to states... happens as per Finance Commission recommendation", and that she had no "discretion" in allocation of tax revenues.

The exchange came at the tail end of a debate on the "financial viability of states/union territories", and was triggered by Mr Chowdhury, the Congress' leader in the Lok Sabha accusing Ms Sitharaman, and the ruling BJP, of "arbitrary" and "discrimination" position towards opposition-ruled states.