Bengaluru:The presentation of the 2024-25 Karnataka budget by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday ignited a political firestorm. While CM Siddaramaiah hailed it as a "historic budget" presented despite the "non-cooperation" of the central government, opposition parties BJP and JD(S) faced accusations of disrupting the House and disrespecting the democratic process.
Women and Child Development Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar lashed out at the opposition, alleging they "insulted the popular budget" for political gain. "The BJP government at the center has not exerted any pressure regarding grants, including GST," she asserted. "This budget was not designed to please any specific community," she added, emphasizing its broader benefits.
CM Siddaramaiah:Presented a budget of Rs 3,71,383 crore, despity drought conditions in the state.
Claimed the budget was prepared without pressure from the central government.
Defended the budget as beneficial to all sections of society.
Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar:
Accused BJP and JD(S) of disrupting the House and disrespecting democracy.
Denied any pressure from the central government regarding grants.
Emphasized the budget's broad benefits and defended its impartiality.