Karnataka Budget Better Than Union Budget, BJP Making Political Statements: CM Siddaramaiah
Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday asserted that Karnataka’s Budget is stronger and more progressive than the Union Budget, accusing the BJP of making politically motivated statements about the state’s financial condition.
Speaking to the media in Davanagere, the Chief Minister said that the state’s economic performance reflects stability and growth, contrary to Opposition claims. He expressed confidence that the Congress party would secure a decisive victory in the upcoming by-elections in Davanagere South and Bagalkote constituencies, citing development work and welfare schemes as key factors.
Taking a sharp dig at the BJP, Siddaramaiah said the party has consistently opposed pro-poor initiatives. He highlighted that the state government has spent around ₹1.31 lakh crore on its flagship guarantee schemes, directly benefiting the common people. In Davanagere South alone, ₹535 crore has been allocated for development works, he noted.
The Chief Minister said the Congress government believes in the principle of universal basic income and is committed to supporting the most vulnerable sections of society. He emphasized that financial benefits under guarantee schemes are directly transferred to beneficiaries’ bank accounts, eliminating middlemen and reducing corruption.
Countering allegations of excessive borrowing, Siddaramaiah claimed that the BJP-led state government had accumulated over ₹5.3 lakh crore debt until March 2023, whereas the current Congress government has borrowed ₹2.56 lakh crore over the last four years. He also pointed out that the Union government’s debt has increased significantly under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, rising from ₹53.11 lakh crore to ₹218 lakh crore.
Responding to BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra’s demand for a white paper, Siddaramaiah said the state Budget has already been thoroughly discussed in the legislature. He highlighted that while India’s GDP growth stands at around 7.1%, Karnataka’s GSDP has grown at 8.1%. The state’s Budget has increased by 9.4% compared to last year, which he said clearly indicates stronger financial performance than the Centre.
He further noted that Karnataka ranks second in GST collection and investment inflows in the country, reinforcing the state’s economic strength.
On inflation, the Chief Minister blamed the Centre for rising prices of LPG, petrol and diesel, stating that costs have increased significantly under the current Union government. He maintained that Karnataka has managed to keep prices relatively lower compared to other states.
Siddaramaiah also criticised the Centre over the falling value of the Indian rupee, stating that promises such as doubling farmers’ income, creating two crore jobs, and depositing ₹15 lakh in every citizen’s account have not been fulfilled.
Addressing political criticism on family-based politics, he countered by pointing to leaders in BJP and JD(S), stating that members of their families are actively involved in politics.
He concluded by reiterating that Karnataka’s financial condition remains stable and that BJP’s allegations are driven purely by political motives ahead of elections.
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