Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, March 8: Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has strongly defended the 2025-26 state budget presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, calling it a “model budget for the nation.” His remarks came in response to the criticisms from the BJP, with the deputy CM asserting that the opposition’s claims were without merit.
Speaking to the media near his residence in Bengaluru, Shivakumar remarked, "Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has presented a model budget for the nation. What else can BJP leaders do other than lie about it?" He added, “If they keep criticising, let them. What else can they do? They’ve seen the budget with their own eyes and heard about it with their own ears, but they’re still making these comments.”
Regarding the BJP’s labelling of the budget as a "halal budget", Shivakumar hit back, saying, "Eyes and ears cannot lie, only the mouth can. That’s why they’re making such statements." He further asserted, "Siddaramaiah has presented a historic and model budget for the country. Other states will adopt our budget policies in the future. This budget has been crafted for the benefit of all sections of society.”
Shivakumar went on to emphasise several key features of the budget, particularly its focus on the development of Bengaluru. “Significant funds have been allocated for the ‘Brand Bengaluru’ initiative, benefiting the 1.40 crore people of the capital city. The tunnel road project will definitely be implemented, and all upcoming metro routes will have double-decker flyovers,” he explained.
He further clarified that the costs of these ambitious infrastructure projects will be shared between the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL).
The deputy chief minister also pointed out the development of 300 km of buffer-zone roads along stormwater drains, with a budget allocation of Rs 3,000 crore. "Through buffer roads, flyovers, and tunnel roads, we are constructing 700-800 km of new roads in Bengaluru. What more planning can be done for the city's development? The government is committed to solving people's problems, even if it requires taking loans for such projects," he said.
He also highlighted Bengaluru's international importance, stating, "The entire world is looking at Bengaluru, and our government is prioritising this city."
Shivakumar’s comments also extended to his visit to the Kalyana Karnataka region, where he stated, "The people of Kalyana Karnataka have hit a jackpot. AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge ensured the implementation of Article 371J. As promised, our government is allocating Rs 5,000 crore every year for the region. Today, along with Minister Priyank Kharge and MP Radhakrishna, I will be visiting Jewargi to inaugurate several development programmes."
Addressing concerns over reports of reduced funding for the irrigation department, Shivakumar clarified, “The irrigation department has received Rs 2,000 crore more than last year. We have planned additional projects for irrigation, and more announcements will be made soon. Some decisions have already been made at the Board level.”
The 2025-26 Karnataka state budget, which was presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday, has a record outlay of Rs 4.08 lakh crore, up from Rs 3.71 lakh crore in the previous financial year. Siddaramaiah, who also holds the finance portfolio, made history with his 16th budget presentation.
Meanwhile, the BJP has been critical of the Congress-led Siddaramaiah government’s budget, calling it the "halal budget" and strongly opposing the introduction of religion-based reservation.