Bengaluru, Feb 2 (NationPress) The Bharatiya Janata Party's Karnataka unit has hailed the Union Budget for 2026–27 as historic, asserting that it paves the way for the holistic development of the nation.

The party lauded initiatives like the railway station corridor for the state, the introduction of bullet train connectivity to Bengaluru, and a dedicated project aimed at reviving the sandalwood sector. Furthermore, special projects for coconut and cocoa farm products are anticipated to significantly aid the farmers in the region.

During a press conference at the BJP's state headquarters, B.S. Yediyurappa, a member of the BJP Central Parliamentary Committee and former Chief Minister, shared these insights.

Alongside R. Ashoka, the Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, Legislative Council Opposition Leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, and other state leaders, Yediyurappa observed the Union Budget presentation by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at the party headquarters before addressing the media.

Yediyurappa remarked, "Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has unveiled a historic budget for the ninth time. She commenced her speech by honoring Sri Gurajada Apparao on his birth anniversary. This budget is a commitment to the overall development of the country and embodies the vision of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas'."

He noted that the total Union Budget amounts to Rs 51.513 lakh crore, which emphasizes the sovereignty and unity of the nation, particularly focusing on the preservation of historical sites. A railway station corridor has been earmarked for Karnataka, he stated.

He highlighted that over the last decade, 25 crore individuals have been lifted above the poverty line. "There is an increased focus on doubled farmers' income and fortifying the fisheries sector through the development of 500 reservoirs and 'Amrit Sarovars' (freshwater lakes)," he added.

Yediyurappa conveyed that the budget prioritizes job creation via entrepreneurship and the enhancement of the Animal Husbandry sector. He mentioned plans to boost coconut production and allocated funds for three crore beneficiaries, including one crore farmers, through the coconut incentive scheme.

He stated the budget aims to position Indian cashew and cocoa as premium global brands by 2030.

"An allocation of Rs 1.4 lakh crore has been set aside for all states, including Karnataka. Additionally, the 'Stree Mart' initiative for women has been introduced," he added.

"Special projects targeting sandalwood, cocoa, and coconut will benefit communities in Tumakuru, Mangaluru, Udupi, and Karwar regions," he remarked.

Furthermore, he noted the announcement of a national textiles policy, the promotion of mega textile parks, and an allocation of Rs 10,000 crore for MSMEs. The capital expenditure has increased from Rs 11.2 lakh crore to Rs 12.2 lakh crore. The budget also includes Rs 5,000 crore for tier-2 and tier-3 cities, permission for mountain trekking in coastal areas, and women's residential facilities in every district.

Yediyurappa added that the customs duty on raw materials for chemical fertilizer production has been reduced, and 17 cancer medications are now duty-free. "This is a budget centered on the nation's sovereignty and advancement. In alignment with Mahatma Gandhi's concept of Gram Swaraj, support for the khadi and handloom sectors has been amplified," he concluded.