Union Budget 2026-27 is pro-people and growth-oriented: Karnataka BJP leaders

Bengaluru: Karnataka BJP leaders on Sunday hailed the Union Budget 2026-27 presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, describing it as a historic and people-friendly budget focused on overall national development.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP state office, former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa said that Sitharaman has presented an “extraordinary and visionary budget” for the ninth consecutive time. “This budget ensures the all-round development of the country and strengthens India’s sovereignty. It is aimed at empowering every section of society,” he said.

Yediyurappa pointed out that over 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty in the last ten years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “This budget continues that commitment. Special encouragement has been given to the fisheries sector, which will benefit lakhs of people. A dedicated scheme for promoting sandalwood cultivation has also been announced, which will help farmers in Karnataka. Capital expenditure has been increased significantly, showing the government’s focus on infrastructure and long-term growth,” he added.

He further stated that the reduction in import duty on raw materials required for fertiliser production would help the agricultural sector. “Farmers will benefit greatly from these measures. The budget has ensured that agriculture, industry and rural development move forward together,” Yediyurappa said.

Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly R. Ashok also praised the budget, calling it a “genuine people-centric budget” rather than a populist one. “This budget focuses on public welfare instead of mere political popularity. The Centre has taken the initiative to establish hostels for girls’ education, which is a major step towards women empowerment,” he said.

Ashok highlighted several key announcements including incentives for sandalwood and coconut cultivation, training schools for tourist guides, and tax exemptions on cancer medicines. “These decisions show that the government cares for common people and is committed to improving their quality of life. Importantly, this budget has not imposed any additional tax burden on citizens,” he stated.

Taking a dig at the Congress-led Karnataka government, Ashok alleged that the state budget last year had imposed unnecessary taxes on people. “Whenever the Centre reduced taxes on essential commodities, the state government increased them in its own budget. The Karnataka treasury is empty due to financial mismanagement. In the upcoming state budget, the government is likely to increase taxes again,” he charged.

He further accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of failing to maintain financial discipline. “Earlier governments ensured fiscal prudence, but under the present regime, financial discipline has completely collapsed. In contrast, the Union Budget is balanced, progressive and truly development-oriented,” Ashok said.

Both leaders unanimously welcomed the Union Budget, terming it a roadmap for building a strong and self-reliant India in the years to come.