Daijiworld Media Network- Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Mar 7: Ahead of the Karnataka state budget presentation for the financial year 2025-26 by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, legislators from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular) [JD(S)] staged a protest on Friday. The demonstration took place in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue on the premises of Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.

The protest was led by leader of opposition R Ashoka, with notable participation from BJP state president and MLA BY Vijayendra, leader of opposition in the legislative council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, and JD(S) Floor Leader in the assembly CB Kumar.

The protesting legislators expressed concerns over the allocation of funds in the upcoming budget, particularly advocating for increased development funds for their constituencies. On Thursday, a delegation comprising BJP and JD(S) legislators met with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at his office in Vidhana Soudha, urging him to sanction an additional ?150 crore in annual funds for constituencies represented by opposition MLAs.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is set to present the budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, marking his 16th budget presentation. The budget session, which commenced on March 3, has already seen significant discussions, including the tabling of the Greater Bengaluru governance bill, which proposes the division of Bengaluru into seven corporations—a move that has faced opposition from both BJP and JD(S) legislators.

The protesting legislators have raised concerns about the equitable distribution of funds and resources in the forthcoming budget, emphasizing the need for balanced development across all constituencies. The protest underscores the ongoing political dynamics in Karnataka, as opposition parties seek to ensure that their constituencies receive adequate attention and funding in the state's financial planning.