Mysuru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Union Budget 2024-25, calling it a “disappointing” exercise that lacks vision and fails to address Karnataka’s needs. Speaking at a press conference in Mysuru, he remarked that the budget fails to benefit the state, especially considering its vital contributions as the second-highest tax-paying state in India.
Siddaramaiah criticized the BJP-led government at the Centre for ignoring Karnataka’s pre-budget proposals. He pointed out that despite sending Minister Krishna Byre Gowda to attend the pre-budget meeting, the state’s demands were ignored. He noted the special attention given to Bihar and Andhra Pradesh—two politically significant states with upcoming elections—while Karnataka was notably left out. He called the budget a reflection of political calculations rather than national interests.
The Chief Minister also expressed his disappointment over the lack of funds for crucial Karnataka projects such as Mekedatu, Upper Bhadra, Mahadayi, and the Krishna River projects. He further criticized the Centre’s failure to release the promised Rs. 5,300 crore for Upper Bhadra despite it being announced in the previous year’s budget.
In addition, Siddaramaiah highlighted the absence of promised initiatives like the AIIMS for Raichur and the need for increased irrigation funds, particularly for Karnataka’s dryland regions, which are the second-largest after Rajasthan.
He also raised concerns over the lack of financial assistance for rural development, drinking water, highways, and storm-water drainage in Bengaluru. He emphasized that Karnataka’s request to raise the housing scheme’s financial assistance had been overlooked.
Siddaramaiah concluded by accusing the Modi Government of turning its back on Karnataka, with debt accounting for nearly 30 percent of the Rs. 50.65 lakh crore budget.
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