State Budget is directionless, misleading, says Shettar

BJP MP Jagadish Shettar has criticised the State Budget saying that it is directionless and misleading.

Through the Budget, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has betrayed the expectations of the common people, he said.

The Budget size has been increased to ₹4.48 lakh crore but most of the resources are being met through debts. The burden of the debts will be put on the next generation who will suffer greatly, he said.

The State government has failed to set aside funds for irrigation, Public Works or other development projects but focused only on guarantees.

“The State government has failed to provide loan waivers or to announce a special package for farmers affected by drought and floods. The announcements of recruitment for 56,432 posts and relaxation of age limit are just election gimmicks. Such promises made earlier have not been fulfilled. The Bengaluru Tunnel Road and Business Corridor projects seem to be only on paper as there is no clarity in the Budget as to where the huge amount of money for these projects will come from,” Mr. Shettar said.

“This Budget has indirectly indicated the possibility of increasing the tax burden on the people. It has not brought any relief to the common man who is already suffering from price hike,” Mr. Shettar said.

BJP MLA Shashikala Jolle said that the State Budget presented by Mr. Siddaramaiah is a directionless, zero-growth budget and one that can take the State to the brink of severe debts.

“It will set the State’s economy back by 10 to 15 years. I am disappointed and I did not expect this from a Chief Minister who has presented the Budget 17 times,” she said.

The former MP Anna Saheb Jolle, who is the Belagavi District Central Cooperative Bank chairman, said that the Budget only means taxes and debt burden for all.