Speaking to reporters shortly after the budget presentation in Parliament, Shivakumar remarked that he had observed the proceedings but found little to cheer for Karnataka. "There is no benefit for our state from the central budget," he said, adding that he was yet to examine the full details. He reiterated, "I don't see any major share for our state from this budget," highlighting the absence of significant provisions or projects tailored to Karnataka's needs.
The Deputy CM, who also oversees Bengaluru's development, pointed out unfulfilled expectations for the capital city. He referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi's description of Bengaluru as a "global city" but questioned what concrete support the Centre had provided. Shivakumar criticized the budget for neglecting key sectors, including challenges faced by cooperative sugar factories in the state due to a lack of supportive measures from the central government.
He specifically voiced concerns over changes to rural employment schemes, noting that the budget appeared to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with a new program named after Gandhi. "They have named a programme after Mahatma Gandhi now (after repealing the MGNREGA act that was named after Gandhi)," he observed, urging the restoration of the original scheme.
Shivakumar's remarks align with broader opposition criticism of the budget, with leaders from states like Kerala and West Bengal also expressing disappointment over allocations. In contrast, the Union Budget emphasized a "three-Kartavya" framework focused on accelerating economic growth, fulfilling citizen aspirations, and ensuring resource access, alongside announcements like increased capital expenditure (to ₹12.2 lakh crore), high-speed rail corridors, rare earth initiatives, and support for MSMEs and biopharma. However, Karnataka notably missed out on inclusions such as certain high-speed rail expansions or dedicated corridors that benefited neighboring or other states.
The reaction underscores ongoing tensions between the Congress-led Karnataka government and the BJP-led Centre regarding state-specific funding and development priorities. Shivakumar's comments come amid his party's campaigns on issues like rural employment and perceived "step-motherly" treatment toward the state. Further details from the budget documents may emerge as analyses continue.
For More News Updates Follow Us On www.tconews.in
