Karnataka Budget 2026: Tightrope walk for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah

Siddaramaiah, the Chief Minister of Karnataka, is presenting his 17th budget on Friday, facing pressure to balance revenue deficit with funding guarantee schemes. The Bharatiya Janata Party and the Janata Dal (Secular) accuse the government of using welfare programs to divert attention from infrastructure development and raising taxes to fund these guarantees. The Supreme Court has criticized indiscriminate distribution of "freebies," prompting Siddaramaiah to consider appealing to well-off families for voluntary contributions or rationalizing beneficiary numbers under guarantee schemes. The state is expected to face a revenue deficit of at least ₹18,000 crore in the current financial year and may increase taxes on fuel, liquor, and property registration to raise additional revenue.