Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who also serves as the Finance Minister, is unveiling the Karnataka State Budget on February 16, providing insight into the priorities of the ruling Congress party in anticipation of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections scheduled for April-May this year.
The Budget Session 2024 commenced on February 12 with Governor Thawaarchand Gehlot addressing a joint session of the State legislature, outlining the government’s programs and guarantee schemes in his 24-page speech.
The 10-day Budget session has commenced with a contentious start as the Siddaramaiah-led government has brought to light issues such as perceived injustices from the Narendra Modi-led central government, including discrepancies in tax devolution, grants-in-aid, lack of compensation for drought relief, and delays in clearing pending irrigation and drinking water projects. The Budget proceedings are anticipated to witness further political confrontation between the ruling party and the Opposition in the run-up to the elections.
