Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar expressed disappointment with the 2026–27 Union Budget, stating that Karnataka did not receive any benefits and doubted the arrival of a high-speed rail in Bengaluru. He emphasized the lack of funding for ongoing programs and projects in the state.
Shivakumar, addressing the media in Kanakapura town, urged the Centre to allocate 90% of project funds with Karnataka contributing the remaining 10%. He highlighted the need for equitable distribution of projects across states and criticized the Budget for not adequately supporting Karnataka.
The Deputy CM questioned the Centre’s focus on other states’ projects and demanded similar attention for Karnataka. He called for restoring the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and criticized the 60:40 expenditure model, stating that no state could afford the 40% contribution.
Shivakumar raised concerns about the lack of support for farmers, particularly in the sugar industry, urging the Centre to increase sugar prices to prevent losses and potential shutdowns of sugar factories in Karnataka. He emphasized the importance of government intervention in setting minimum support prices to aid farmers in need.
