Karnataka’s political landscape buzzed on Monday as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah disclosed that the 2026-27 state budget schedule will be unveiled soon. The veteran Congress leader made the revelation while engaging with the press at Davangere’s Sri Maharshi Valmiki Gurupeetha helipad.
Set to deliver his unprecedented 17th budget, Siddaramaiah will etch his name as the longest-serving in the dual roles of finance minister and CM. Intensive preparatory sessions with officials from across departments have commenced, reflecting thorough groundwork.
‘We’re deep into budget planning, and the date for tabling it will be made public shortly,’ he declared. Beyond finances, the CM touched on key issues, including the push for a dedicated tribal university, which the government is evaluating positively.
This comes amid Congress circles abuzz with leadership rumors, but sources say Siddaramaiah’s budget commitment firmly dispels any handover talks, affirming his term completion intent.
On Bengaluru’s metro fare controversy, he explained the central government’s oversight through its appointee, insulating state hands. Queries about Deputy CM Shivakumar’s rumored Delhi intervention were met with a referral back to the concerned leader.
Siddaramaiah leveled strong accusations against the India-US pact, labeling it farmer-unfriendly and pinning it on PM Modi’s capitulation. Responding to Valmiki demands for cabinet inclusion, he stressed stability—no removals—and pledged review in upcoming expansions.
Minister SS Mallikarjun’s supposed resignation was outright denied as fiction. In a fiery online critique, he branded PM Modi’s Lok Sabha no-show during the President’s address debate as cowardly precedent-setting behavior.
Parliamentary history notes this as the first passage sans PM reply. Siddaramaiah decried the suppression of Rahul Gandhi’s security revelations drawn from Gen Naravane’s writings, followed by governmental hush.
‘Avoiding scrutiny, Modi skipped entirely,’ he noted. Speaker Birla’s alleged favoritism towards the executive was called out for tarnishing Lok Sabha prestige. ‘Protect the institution, don’t defend the rulers,’ was his pointed message.
Siddaramaiah’s briefing weaves state fiscal anticipation with trenchant national discourse, positioning him centrally in Karnataka’s evolving narrative as budget watchers await official word.