Bengaluru, Feb 1 (NationPress) In a strong critique of the Union Budget for 2026–27, Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar pointed out that the state has received no benefits, stating that “no high-speed rail will come to Bengaluru”.

Interestingly, the Centre has revealed plans for a bullet train connecting Hyderabad and Bengaluru.

Speaking to the media on Sunday in Kanakapura, Shivakumar declared, “No high-speed rail will come to Karnataka. Which high-speed rail? No such rail will come to Karnataka. They do not have money even for existing programmes. There are no projects under the 50:50 funding formula. Let them bring projects under a 90:10 ratio. We will provide 10 percent from our side. Other matters are just discussions.”

“They have implemented projects in other states. Let them do the same for our state as well. Let the Centre put in 90 percent and we will provide 10 percent,” he insisted.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has referred to Bengaluru as a global city. What significance has been given to this global city? I will comment on this in detail later,” Shivakumar added.

He emphasized that the Centre's Budget has not benefited Karnataka in any way and mentioned that he was attentively observing the Budget presentation.

“Now they have named a project after Mahatma Gandhi. We took part in a marathon supporting the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MGNREGA). Nowhere else in the country was such an event organized. We will also embark on a padyatra. The marathon was conducted in my constituency. Let them restore MGNREGA and allow the scheme to remain as it was earlier,” he stated.

Commenting on the 60:40 funding model, Shivakumar said, “No state will agree to contribute 40 percent of the funds. No state will be able to put in 40 percent. Yet, they are claiming that they have announced a scheme. Our state has not received a major share in any sector,” he claimed.

When questioned about the emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support startups, Shivakumar responded, “Under MGNREGA, they want to decide from Delhi the allocation of work under the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act. People receive work during the farming season. What issue does the Centre have with providing work during the farming season?”

“We had permitted farmers to undertake work on their own lands. Now they want farmers to work under contractors. Who will work under contractors? AI implementation in agriculture is not urgent. There is a need for technology to develop new breeds. We are supporting silk production, and the Centre should assist in these programmes,” he remarked.

Addressing the issue of sugar pricing, Shivakumar questioned why the sugar price had not been increased. “Farmers are incurring losses. In our state, we have decided to support them. The Centre has not increased the price of sugar and molasses. If the price of sugar is not raised, sugar factories will be forced to shut down,” he cautioned.

He highlighted that five districts in Karnataka host sugar factories, all of which are operating at a loss. “What assistance has the Centre provided to farmers? It has been eight to nine years since the sugar price was revised. The decision lies with the Centre. The Centre has full authority over fixing the minimum support price (MSP) for farmers. They must assist farmers in this situation,” Shivakumar concluded.