Sat Feb 01 16:21:21 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Ministers Condemn Union Budget as “Disappointing”

**Hubli, Karnataka, February 1, 2025** – The Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has drawn sharp criticism from several Karnataka ministers, who described it as a “disappointment” and an “injustice” to the state.

Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi and Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar led the condemnation, claiming the budget ignored Karnataka’s demands and offered nothing for the state, including Bengaluru. Jarkiholi criticized the lack of consideration for the state’s needs, suggesting that Karnataka’s Union Ministers had failed to secure projects. Hebbalkar further accused Sitharaman of prioritizing Bihar in an “election budget,” neglecting Karnataka’s farmers and overall development despite being elected to the Rajya Sabha from the state.

However, the budget received a more positive reception from other political figures. Former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar praised the budget for its focus on overall national development, highlighting relief measures for the middle class and schemes aimed at farmer empowerment, citing a projected benefit for 1.7 crore farmers through increased Kisan credit card limits.

Differing views also emerged within the state’s political landscape. MP Priyanka Jarkiholi criticized the budget for neglecting farmers and youth amidst rising inflation, while former Rajya Sabha member Prabhakar Kore lauded it as a milestone in India’s development, citing positive allocations for education, health, industry, and agriculture sectors, along with tax relief for the middle class. The contrasting opinions highlight the diverse perspectives on the budget’s impact on Karnataka.

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