Davangere, February 9 – Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Monday that the date for presenting the state budget for the financial year 2026-27 will be revealed shortly. Speaking to reporters at a helipad inside the Sri Maharshi Valmiki Gurupeetha complex here, the CM exuded confidence about his preparations.
This upcoming budget will mark Siddaramaiah’s 17th presentation, setting a new record for the longest-serving finance minister and chief minister in Karnataka’s history. He has already kickstarted a series of meetings with various government departments to fine-tune the fiscal blueprint.
‘Preparations for the state budget are in full swing, and the presentation date will be announced soon,’ Siddaramaiah stated emphatically. The announcement carries significant weight amid ongoing political speculations about leadership changes within the Congress party.
Insider sources from Congress indicate that this move signals the CM’s firm resolve to complete his full term, effectively quashing rumors of a mid-term shift. On demands for establishing a tribal university in the state, he assured that the government is seriously considering the proposal and will take a decision accordingly.
Addressing queries on the recent metro fare hike, Siddaramaiah clarified that fare decisions are made by the Metro Chairman appointed by the central government, leaving no role for the state administration. Regarding reports of Deputy CM DK Shivakumar’s potential Delhi trip to discuss the issue, he deflected, suggesting the media approach Shivakumar directly.
The CM didn’t hold back on national politics either. He slammed the India-US trade deal as unfair to farmers, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of buckling under American pressure. On the Valmiki community’s demand for a cabinet berth, Siddaramaiah noted that no ministers have been removed, and resignations occurred due to unavoidable circumstances. He promised to address it during the next cabinet expansion.
Dismissing rumors about Minister SS Mallikarjun’s resignation, he called such claims far from the truth. In a sharp social media post, Siddaramaiah criticized PM Modi’s silence during the Lok Sabha debate on the President’s address, terming it ‘cowardice.’ He highlighted how the motion passed without the PM’s response for the first time in parliamentary history.
‘ A PM who stays away from Parliament shirks accountability,’ he posted. Siddaramaiah further alleged that the government silenced the opposition and then went quiet itself. When Rahul Gandhi raised national security concerns citing excerpts from former Army Chief Gen MM Naravane’s book, he was not allowed to complete his speech.
The CM accused Modi of avoiding questions by skipping the Lok Sabha altogether. He also criticized Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s biased conduct, saying it undermined the House’s dignity. ‘The Speaker’s job is to protect Parliament, not shield the executive,’ he asserted.
As Karnataka gears up for its landmark budget, Siddaramaiah’s statements underscore his steady grip on leadership while taking pointed jabs at national adversaries. The budget date reveal is eagerly awaited by stakeholders across the spectrum.