Siddaramaiah's Budget will be Just a Balance-Sheet Budget: Shettar

Hubballi: Former Chief Minister and BJP MP Jagadish Shettar has lashed out at the upcoming budget to be presented by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, stating that there are no expectations from it. He alleged that the budget would merely be a balance-sheet, struggling to allocate funds for government guarantees while lacking new development projects.

Addressing reporters on Wednesday, Shettar questioned the financial strength of the state government. "When the government itself has no money, how can we have any expectations from the budget? The size of the Upper Krishna Project (UKP) is estimated to be between ₹50,000 to ₹84,000 crores. Will the government be able to allocate such a huge amount?" he asked.

Shettar also criticized the state government's decision to reserve 4% of contract works for minorities, calling it an act of appeasement. "This is the height of appeasement and sheer foolishness. Congress leaders are indulging in appeasement politics by criticizing Hindu sentiments and traditions while favoring minorities," he alleged.

Responding to Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s statement that BJP MLAs were in contact with the Congress, Shettar challenged him to name them. "If he has the courage, let him name just two BJP MLAs who are in touch with them. Such statements are only being made to cover up the setbacks and embarrassment faced by Congress," he remarked.