Bengaluru (Karnataka): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is presenting the state budget in the Legislative Assembly. He arrived at the Vidhan Soudha with the Budget document, accompanied by his cabinet members.
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka claimed this would be CM Siddaramaiah’s last budget as he is the outgoing Chief Minister. Ashoka expressed that the state government has failed to deliver significant development in the past two years, and the public expects announcements in this budget that will promote growth. He criticized the government’s performance, citing issues like a lack of medicines in hospitals and rising prices of essential commodities like petrol, diesel, and milk. He urged for developmental announcements in this budget.
Karnataka Minister MC Sudhakar responded to protests from the BJP and JDS, accusing the BJP of trying to divert attention from the government’s accomplishments. He stated that the state had implemented all the guarantees and budgetary allocations, with funds released as promised, and that the BJP’s protests were unnecessary.
JDS MLC SL Bhojegowda also commented on the budget, emphasizing the need for credibility in Siddaramaiah’s 16th budget presentation, while appreciating the CM’s experience.
Earlier, the Karnataka Assembly passed the Bangalore Palace (Acquisition and Transfer) Bill 2025, which allows the state government to use land for a road-widening project, following a Supreme Court directive to issue transferable development rights (TDR) worth Rs 3,400 crore to the Mysuru royal family.
The Budget Session of the Karnataka Assembly began on March 3, and on March 4, the Business Advisory Committee, led by CM Siddaramaiah, approved a salary hike for state legislators. The committee will also decide on the number of days for the ongoing Assembly session.