Empty Vessel: Karnataka Leaders Sound Alarm Over Budget Snub

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s reaction too the Union Budget 2025-26 was swift and scathing.Calling it “highly disappointing” and lacking vision, he especially criticized the glaring omission of crucial projects for his state.

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru on Saturday, Siddaramaiah lamented the lack of budgetary provisions for major projects like the Mekedatu balancing reservoir, the Upper Bhadra water project, and the Mahadayi and Krishna river irrigation projects. “We had hoped for allocations towards these crucial projects,” he stated, “but none were considered.”

Adding to his frustration,Siddaramaiah pointed out the meagre allocations for Karnataka,despite its status as the second-highest tax-paying state. He accused the Center of neglecting Karnataka’s critically important contributions to the national economy, alleging that multiple requests for crucial infrastructure and water projects had been ignored.

Bengaluru, a vital economic hub for India, received scant attention in the budget, further fueling Siddaramaiah’s discontent. “We had sought funds for stormwater drain improvements and business corridors,” he lamented, “but the response from the Centre was nothing but ‘khaali chombu’ – an empty vessel.” He concluded that, “in short, this budget has given Karnataka nothing.”

Siddaramaiah also raised concerns about potential favoritism towards certain states. He cited Bihar and Andhra Pradesh,which received special grants in both the previous and current year,while Karnataka was overlooked. “There is a coalition government at the Centre,” he asserted, “and for political reasons, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh have been given special grants, while Karnataka was left out.”

Karnataka Rural Advancement and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge echoed Siddaramaiah’s disappointment, branding the budget announcements as mere rhetoric. “I had no expectations from this budget,” he stated. “We have seen this pattern for the past 10 years—big promises, no real action.”

Karnataka Leaders Sound Off: Is the Union Budget 2025-26 Leaving the State Dry?

The recent Union budget 2025-26 has sparked controversy in karnataka, with state leaders voicing their disappointment and concern over the allocation of funds. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Rural Advancement and Panchayat Raj minister Priyank Kharge met with Archyde to express their dissatisfaction.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was particularly critical, calling the budget “highly disappointing” for Karnataka. “This budget feels like a missed chance,” Siddaramaiah remarked, emphasizing the lack of funding allocated to crucial projects like the Mekedatu balancing reservoir, the Upper Bhadra water project, and the Mahadayi and Krishna river irrigation projects. “as the second-highest tax-paying state, Karnataka deserves a better return on its investment in the national economy,” he asserted.

Siddaramaiah also pointed out the apparent neglect of Bengaluru, a key economic hub, in the budget. “We requested support for stormwater drain improvements and business corridors in Bengaluru, but it seems we received nothing but “khaali chombu,” an empty vessel,” he lamented, highlighting the city’s need for significant infrastructure investment.

Concerns regarding unequal resource allocation, seemingly favoring certain states over others, were also raised.”There is a growing perception that some states, particularly Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, are being given preferential treatment,” Siddaramaiah stated, questioning the fairness of the allocation process.

The Karnataka government’s response to these funding gaps remains to be seen. As the debate intensifies, it will be crucial to observe how the state plans to address these concerns and ensure the equitable progress of Karnataka.

Karnataka Budget Discontent: A Call for stronger Advocacy

Karnataka leaders are expressing dissatisfaction with the recently announced union Budget 2025-26, highlighting what they perceive as a lack of adequate support for the state’s development needs. Minister Priyank Kharge vocalized his disappointment, stating, “I had no expectations from this budget. We’ve seen this narrative for the past decade – promises made, followed by empty vessels. Under Modi’s leadership, unemployment has worsened despite the claims of successful economic policies.This budget further reinforces the belief that promises often outweigh tangible benefits.”

The debate surrounding resource allocation in the national budget is intensifying. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized the need for Karnataka to advocate strongly for its interests at the national level. “the focus now must be on advocating strongly for Karnataka’s needs at the national level. The debate around resource allocation is only going to intensify, and it’s essential that Karnataka’s voice is heard loud and clear,” he stated.

The concerns raised by Karnataka leaders reflect a broader national conversation about equitable budget distribution. It remains to be seen how the government will address these concerns and ensure that all regions of the country receive the necessary resources to thrive.

how can karnataka strengthen its advocacy at the national level too ensure equitable resource allocation from the Union Budget?

Karnataka Budget Discontent: A Deep Dive