Chief Minister Siddaramaiah arrives with a budget bag during the Karnataka budget 2024 at Vidhana Soudha
Credit: DH File Photo
Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who also holds the finance portfolio, said on Monday he would present the state’s 2025-26 Budget on March 7.
“The Governor’s speech will be on March 3 (Monday). After that, there will be discussions on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. On March 7th (Friday), I will table the 2025-26 Budget. There will be discussions on the Budget and I will give my answers by March-end.”
For Siddaramaiah, who first became the finance minister during the Janata Dal’s government from 1994-99, this will be a record-extending 16th budget.
The chief minister noted that the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) would decide the duration of the session.
Siddaramaiah noted that despite his knee pain, he had conducted pre-budget meetings with different departments at his home.
“I came here today since many people were expected to come. Farmers’ organisations have given their suggestions. Our government has never fallen behind in protecting farmers’ interests. We will consider those suggestions while preparing the Budget and take appropriate measures within our constraints.”
Answering a question about the heightened expectations from the Budget in the backdrop of price hike, Siddaramaiah said: “Price hike is done by both state and central governments. The responsibility of the Centre is higher. They should also emphasise this issue. We will also do what we can.”