Union Budget 2026-27: Karnataka Congress leaders slam Centre, call it ‘unjust and disappointing’

Bengaluru: Karnataka Congress leaders have strongly criticized the Union Budget 2026-27 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, alleging that the budget has completely ignored the interests of the state and failed to address the concerns of common people.

Speaking to the media, Karnataka Industries Minister M.B. Patil expressed sharp disappointment over the budget. “The expectations of ordinary citizens, especially women and middle-class families, have been completely shattered. There is no relief in prices of daily essential commodities. The rupee value has fallen to 92 against the dollar, which clearly reflects the poor economic management of the central government,” he said.

Patil further pointed out that during the tenure of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, the rupee value hovered around 48–52, and the BJP used to criticize the government then. “Now the GDP ranking has slipped to 146th position, but there is no accountability. Karnataka has been grossly neglected, especially in the railway corridor projects. Union Ministers Prahlad Joshi and V. Somanna must explain what face they will show to the people of Karnataka,” he remarked.

While welcoming the reduction in prices of 17 essential medicines, including cancer drugs, Patil said the budget failed to support key sectors in Karnataka. “We had proposed the ‘Queen City’ model for Bengaluru, but the Centre has not provided any financial assistance. There is no clarity on support for farmers, no encouragement for rare earth material industries in Karnataka, and no concrete measures for price rise. This budget has disappointed every section of society,” he added.

The minister also accused the Centre of neglecting major infrastructure demands of the state. “There is no clarity on tax devolution to Karnataka. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had written to the Centre seeking support, but there has been no response. Our demand for a defence industrial corridor and the Pune–Bengaluru railway corridor has been ignored. If they cannot deliver for the state, Union Ministers from Karnataka should resign,” he said angrily.

Meanwhile, Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre also condemned the budget, calling it “directionless and anti-people.” “This budget is like giving a holiday to the country’s economy. There is no major improvement or reform. Government expenditure continues to rise without control, and Karnataka has gained nothing significant from this budget,” he stated.

Khandre criticized the Centre for failing to ensure Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers. “Once again, the BJP government has ignored the long-pending demand of farmers for MSP for all crops. Mere announcements about sandalwood promotion are not enough. Implementation matters, and past experience shows the Centre rarely delivers on such promises,” he said.

He further alleged that unemployment continues to rise across the country. “The BJP had promised two crore jobs every year, but that promise remains unfulfilled. Even this budget offers nothing concrete for job creation for the youth of Karnataka. It is like old wine in a new bottle,” Khandre remarked.

Overall, Karnataka Congress leaders have unanimously termed the Union Budget as anti-Karnataka, anti-farmer, and anti-middle class, demanding greater justice and financial support for the state in the coming days.