Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Feb 1: The Union Budget 2026–27, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has drawn mixed reactions from political leaders in Udupi district. While BJP leaders welcomed it as people-centric and visionary, Congress leaders criticised it for neglecting Karnataka.
Udupi–Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary described the budget as “people-friendly and economically empowering.” He highlighted initiatives such as the SHE-MART scheme, promoting women entrepreneurs; construction of hostels for girls; measures for rare diseases with enhanced duty exemptions; and greater allocations for healthcare, including new medical colleges and hubs in Karnataka.
Poojary also emphasised the focus on high-speed rail corridors, national highways, agriculture, rural development, fisheries, solar energy, and special concessions for cancer patients. “The budget has been framed keeping the entire nation in mind,” he said.
Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna said finance minister Sitharaman has “infused new energy into the country’s economy and laid a strong foundation for building a young India in line with the vision of a developed India.”
He cited the development of seven high-speed rail corridors, special priority to the defence sector, incentives for IT companies to generate youth employment, maximum allocations to states through the 16th Finance Commission, support for university townships and student hostels, and emphasis on agriculture, fisheries, and infrastructure. He said the budget will help propel India from the world’s fourth-largest economy to third.
Karkala MLA and former minister V Sunil Kumar said the budget is conducive to the overall development of the country, including Karnataka. Highlighting IT innovation, tourism expansion, inland water transport, MSMEs, and infrastructure projects, he said the budget lays a strong foundation for a future-ready Karnataka.
“The special focus on environmental balance reflects the Union government’s sensitive approach towards climate change,” he added, calling it significant in shaping India into a five-trillion-dollar economy.
Kaup MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty welcomed the budget, stating it “has been designed to benefit the common people and shape the future of the nation.” He highlighted the Khelo India Mission, initiatives for Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, the Mahatma Gandhi Grama Swaraj initiative to strengthen khadi and handloom sectors, and SHE-MART for rural women entrepreneurs. “These reflect the government’s commitment to inclusive development and women empowerment,” he said.
BJP Udupi district president Kuthyar Naveen Shetty described the budget as “duty-centric, visionary, all-inclusive and comprehensive,” noting its emphasis on textiles, pharmaceuticals, exports, tourism, employment generation, infrastructure development, and a simplified income tax system. “Overall, this is a Developed India Budget conducive to the comprehensive development of the nation,” he said.
Congress criticises Budget as a 'raw deal' to Karnataka
Udupi Block Congress Committee President Ramesh Kanchan alleged that the Union Budget “once again gives a raw deal to Karnataka,” including the coastal districts, by failing to announce new projects. He claimed the budget favours big industrialists, ignores the middle class, and offers no new support for farmers.
He expressed disappointment that allocations for coastal fisheries, tourism, and ports were omitted, while other states holding Assembly elections received generous funds. Railway projects for other states were sanctioned, whereas the coastal region in Karnataka was neglected, he added, terming the budget “disappointing.”