Bengaluru: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs staged a protest at the Karnataka Vidhan Sabha over the state’s budget for 2024. The protest ensued after BJP members walked out during the budget presentation, expressing dissatisfaction with the proposed financial roadmap.
R. Ashok, the Leader of the Opposition and a prominent BJP figure, denounced the budget as “bogus” and criticized the government’s financial management, labeling it as an “election budget.”
Former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy echoed these sentiments, asserting that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah lacked confidence during his budget speech. Kumaraswamy criticized Siddaramaiah’s economic policies, condemning the budget as the harbinger of destruction for the state.
C.N. Ashwath Narayan, a BJP MLA, accused the Siddaramaiah-led government of indulging in appeasement politics, particularly at the expense of Hindu sentiments. Narayan lambasted the government’s discriminatory approach and urged for inclusive policies devoid of division and appeasement tactics.
Moreover, Narayan criticized the allocation of resources by the Congress government, alleging misuse of taxpayer money and failure to deliver tangible benefits to the people of Karnataka. He emphasized the need for fulfilling promises made in the party manifesto and underscored the BJP’s commitment to delivering on its assurances.
In response to these allegations, Congress leader RV Deshpande reaffirmed the party’s commitment to fulfilling its promises and reiterated its vision for inclusive development in the state.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who also holds the finance portfolio, defended the budget, highlighting the implementation of various Guarantee schemes aimed at empowering the people of Karnataka. He emphasized the positive economic and social impact of these schemes, citing international recognition and praising the tangible benefits witnessed by citizens.
The 2024 Karnataka Budget, presented by Siddaramaiah, projects a state economy growth of 6.6%, with the services and industrial sectors leading the charge. However, the agriculture sector witnessed a negative growth of 1.8% due to severe drought conditions.
The budget size for the fiscal year 2023-24 saw a substantial increase, rising from Rs. 265,720 crore to Rs. 327,747 crore, indicating a robust 23% surge. This expansion encompasses both revenue and capital expenditures, reflecting the government’s commitment to comprehensive development across various sectors.
The political standoff over the budget reflects the divergent perspectives and priorities of the ruling and opposition parties in Karnataka, setting the stage for continued deliberations and debates in the state legislature.
