Karnataka Deputy CM Alleges Union Budget Disproportionately Favors BJP-Held States Ahead of Elections

In a pointed critique of the recently unveiled Union Budget, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has leveled accusations of political bias, asserting the financial plan systematically neglects the developmental requirements of Karnataka while strategically allocating resources to states where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) faces imminent electoral contests. This allegation frames the national budget not merely as an economic document but as an instrument of electoral calculus, suggesting a deliberate reorientation of central funds to consolidate political advantage in key battleground regions. The statement underscores the deepening political fissures between the Congress-led state government in Karnataka and the BJP-led central administration, transforming fiscal policy into a contentious arena of federal discord. Shivakumar's characterization implies a perceived departure from needs-based allocation, potentially exacerbating center-state tensions and raising questions about the equitable distribution of national resources. The critique reflects broader opposition narratives challenging the budgetary process's neutrality and highlights the intensifying political rhetoric as India approaches a significant election cycle. This development warrants close monitoring for its implications on inter-governmental relations and the politicization of economic planning.