Karnataka Budget 2019 HIGHLIGHTS: 12,650 cr for crop loan waiver

Chief Minister of Karnataka, HD Kumaraswamy presented his second budget on Friday, amid a walkout by opposition BJP. Kumaraswamy set aside Rs 12,650 crore toward his pet crop loan waiver scheme in 2019-20 fiscal. The JD(S)-Congress government in Karnataka has released Rs 5,450 crore so far towards farmers loan waiver scheme, Kumaraswamy added. He also announced that "Ayushman Bharat" scheme of the Centre would be combined with "Aroygya Karnataka" and it would be renamed as "Ayushman Bharat Karnataka". In a fillip to transportation facilities in other cities, the budget provides for viability studies for building metro rail projects in Mysuru, Mangaluru and Hubballi-Dharwad twin cities. Earlier on Friday, Kumaraswamy released an audio conversation between B S Yeddyurappa and JD(S) MLA Naganagouda Kandakur's (Gurmitkal) son Sharanagouda accusing the BJP of trying to lure the MLA. The Congress also convened a legislature party (CLP) meet to keep its flock together ahead of budget presentation. The party has decided to seek the disqualification of four disgruntled legislators who were a no show at the CLP. The budget session of Karnataka Assembly began with a BJP uproar against the coalition government led to Governor Vajubhai Vala cutting short his speech to the joint session. Thank you for tuning in. For the latest news, views and analysis visit https://www.deccanherald.com/