Responding to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s defense of the 2026–27 Budget, the Karnataka BJP accused him of presenting a misleading narrative on the state’s finances. Senior BJP leader R. Ashoka criticized the Chief Minister for overlooking key distinctions between capital expenditure and revenue spending. Ashoka highlighted that while borrowing itself is not an issue, the purpose for which the borrowed funds are used is crucial.
Drawing a comparison with the Union government, Ashoka noted that a significant portion of Central borrowings is allocated towards capital expenditure. He pointed out that the Karnataka government’s 2026–27 Budget allocates a relatively smaller amount towards capital expenditure compared to the Centre. Ashoka raised concerns about the state’s total outstanding debt and fresh borrowings proposed for the current financial year.
Ashoka emphasized the importance of using borrowed funds to create productive assets and drive long-term growth. He accused the Chief Minister of selectively quoting statements of senior party leaders to suit his political narrative. Ashoka clarified the context behind veteran BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi’s remarks on the Food Security Bill and accused Siddaramaiah of misrepresenting the statement in the Karnataka Assembly.
The BJP leader criticized the Congress’s approach to poverty and welfare measures, contrasting it with the BJP’s focus on empowerment with dignity. He urged Siddaramaiah to concentrate on governance and refrain from distorting facts. Ashoka highlighted administrative challenges faced by Karnataka under the current Congress government.
