Tue Mar 10 11:55:33 UTC 2026: Headline: Siddaramaiah Reflects on Early Finance Role, Opposition Criticizes Current Budget

The Story:
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah acknowledged on March 10, 2026, that he initially took on the Finance portfolio in 1994 at the insistence of then Chief Minister H.D. Deve Gowda. Speaking during a debate on the State Budget 2026-27 in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Siddaramaiah revealed he preferred the revenue portfolio but accepted Finance after Gowda expressed his desire for someone trustworthy in the role. Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok responded by praising Siddaramaiah’s first budget in 1995-96, while criticizing the current budget as a “poor shadow” of his earlier work.

Key Points:

  • Siddaramaiah became Finance Minister in 1994 due to H.D. Deve Gowda’s persuasion.
  • Siddaramaiah preferred the revenue portfolio initially.
  • R. Ashok highlighted Siddaramaiah’s first budget (1995-96) as high quality.
  • R. Ashok criticized the 2026-27 budget as inferior to Siddaramaiah’s earlier work.
  • Siddaramaiah has presented 17 State Budgets so far.

Key Takeaways:

  • The article highlights the long political career of Siddaramaiah and his enduring impact on Karnataka’s finances.
  • The exchange reveals the ongoing political rivalry between the ruling party and the opposition, using budget debates as a platform for criticism.
  • The reference to Siddaramaiah’s initial reluctance to handle the Finance portfolio adds a layer of historical context to his current role as Chief Minister presenting the budget.

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