Siddaramaiah rejects charges of excessive borrowing

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah defended the state's borrowing practices, stating that Karnataka's debt was within the permissible limits set by the Fiscal Responsibility Act. He argued that the state's debt-to-GSDP ratio of 24.94% is well below the 25% limit and compared it to the Centre's significantly higher debt levels. Siddaramaiah also addressed criticisms about the budget benefiting only certain sections, stating that it aimed for social justice and equal opportunities across all segments of society. He indicated his willingness to continue presenting budgets if given the opportunity by the party leadership.