Udupi: The 16th state budget presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has stirred debates, with the BJP accusing it of favoring minorities and neglecting inclusivity. Meanwhile, Udupi legislators criticized the lack of funds for the district’s development.
The 2025-26 budget introduced only a few projects for Udupi, including a multi-level parking facility at Malpe port, a shoreline management plan, a PPP model textile park in Karkala, and Rs 3 crore for the district playground. Additionally, Rs 200 crore was allocated for landslide prevention in coastal and Malnad regions.
Despite these provisions, demands for a government medical college, an agricultural institute, and a sea ambulance for Malpe port were unmet, leading to public disappointment.
Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar praised the budget as people-friendly, citing Rs 94,084 crore for women-centric programs and Rs 62,033 crore for child welfare. Conversely, Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna and other coastal leaders slammed the budget for failing to address fisheries, infrastructure, and medical education needs.
BJP leaders Kishore Kumar Kundapura and V. Sunil Kumar went further, calling it divisive and laden with vote-bank politics. Trade unions also raised concerns over the exclusion of unorganized workers.
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