Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed disappointment with the Union Budget 2026–27 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, likening it to a municipal corporate budget. He highlighted a reduction in the allocation for centrally sponsored schemes from Rs 5.41 lakh crore to Rs 4.2 lakh crore, calling it the most disappointing budget in his political career. Siddaramaiah criticized the budget for neglecting Karnataka and the entire South India, stating that the region received no significant benefits.
Referring to the announcement of high-speed railway projects to Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah mentioned that the projects, Hyderabad–Bengaluru and Chennai–Bengaluru, would offer limited advantages to Karnataka as they do not cover long distances within the state. He suggested that projects like Bengaluru–Mumbai and Bengaluru–Mangaluru high-speed rail would have been more beneficial for the state. The Chief Minister also criticized the budget for lacking measures to address the devaluation of the Rupee and declining foreign investment, increasing imports, and falling exports.
Siddaramaiah further pointed out reductions in allocations for various sectors, such as the defence sector and environmental protection. He criticized the budget for cutting subsidies and allocations for key programs, including nutrient-based schemes and tax concessions for exporters. The Chief Minister highlighted the lack of focus on crop insurance for farmers, higher education, and the development of marginalized communities like SCs, STs, and Backward Classes.
