Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday defended his government's 2026-27 budget in the Legislative Assembly, rejecting Opposition criticism over fiscal management and brushing aside claims that its presentation was influenced by superstition.
Replying to a debate on the budget he presented on March 6, Siddaramaiah argued that Karnataka's finances remain within acceptable limits, particularly when compared with other large states.
He said the revised estimate for the fiscal deficit in 2025-26 stood at 2.95%, placing the state in a relatively stronger position.
The chief minister cited comparative figures from across the country, noting that Maharashtra's fiscal deficit stood at 3.0%, Andhra Pradesh's at 4.5%, Kerala's at 3.8% and Tamil Nadu's at 3.5%, all higher than Karnataka's.
Siddaramaiah rejected the charge that the government had inconsistencies in revenue projections, saying that differences between budget estimates and actual collections are common across states.
He added that neighbouring states, too, had recorded lower actual revenues compared to their initial projections, countering the claim that Karnataka's fiscal planning was uniquely flawed.
The discussion soon took a political turn, with exchanges between the chief minister and Leader of Opposition R Ashoka.
Ashoka suggested that Siddaramaiah might not remain in office long enough to present multiple future budgets, but the chief minister expressed confidence in both his tenure and his party's prospects.
He went on to add that his ability to do so would depend on the party leadership, but struck an optimistic note about the future.
The debate also featured barbs from the Opposition about internal dynamics within the ruling party, with Ashoka referencing deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar and his recent temple visits.
Siddaramaiah dismissed the remarks, saying he had not misled anyone and would continue to politically defeat the Opposition.
Another point of contention was the timing of the budget presentation, which some BJP members suggested had been fixed to avoid 'Rahu Kaala', a period considered inauspicious in Hindu astrology.
The chief minister denied that such beliefs guided his decisions, even as he acknowledged hearing advice on the matter.
He reiterated his long-standing opposition to superstition in public life, saying he does not believe in Rahu Kaala or Gulika Kaala.
At the same time, he acknowledged that he had taken the timing into account following suggestions from family members and officials.
