BENGALURU: “To present a surplus budget despite the challenges we faced is a record, an accomplishment,” is how Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy chose to describe his debut budget that accommodated the much-hyped farm loan waiver.
Despite criticisms for an alleged lopsided budget, Kumaraswamy asked the opposition BJP to give him some credit for managing a massive waiver while in keeping with fiscal norms. Addressing the media after presenting his budget H D Kumaraswamy lashed out at the BJP for mocking his decision to hike tariff on power, fuel to raise funds.
“Despite raising taxes, fuel prices here is lower than neighbouring states. What moral right does that BJP have to question me when their government at the centre hiked fuel prices by 230 per cent,” Kumaraswamy said. Responding to allegations of an imbalanced budget, Kumaraswamy deemed BJP a party looking to disturb peace in the society. “I appeal to the people of coastal Karnataka not to pay heed to the BJP’s baseless claims. Don’t trust this party that believes in inciting the society. This coalition government is for the welfare of the entire state,” he said.
Kumaraswamy highlighted the plans his government has for Bengaluru- retorting to a jibe by BJP leader R Ashoka. Kumaraswamy lambasted the union government for refusing to lend a helping hand with the loan waiver. “Can I or Parameshwara, just like B S Yeddyurappa had once asked, print notes?” Kumaraswamy mocked.
Reiterating that the budget presented by Siddaramaiah in February will be taken forward along with the announcements he made on Thursday, Kumaraswamy said that his government was not being biased towards Southern districts.