Davanagere (Karnataka), Feb 9 (NationPress) Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Monday that the date for the upcoming state budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 will be disclosed shortly.

CM Siddaramaiah is gearing up to present the Karnataka budget for the 17th time, solidifying his status as the longest-serving Finance Minister and Chief Minister to deliver budgets.

The 2026-27 budget marks Siddaramaiah's historic 17th presentation, a record for any Finance Minister in Karnataka. Preparatory meetings with various government departments are already in progress, as indicated by the Chief Minister.

Speaking to the media at the helipad within the premises of Sri Maharshi Valmiki Gurpeeth here, he stated that the budget preparations are in full swing and that the announcement of the presentation date is imminent. Furthermore, he noted the demand for establishing a tribal university in the state, asserting that the government would review the proposal and make a decision.

This announcement holds political significance. According to sources within the Congress party, it signals Siddaramaiah's commitment to completing his full term as Chief Minister, countering speculation about potential leadership changes.

In response to inquiries regarding the Metro fare increase, the Chief Minister clarified that fare rates are determined by the Metro chairman appointed by the Central government, and the state government has no influence over the decision.

When asked about reports of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's visit to Delhi to address the Metro fare concern, he suggested that the media should contact Shivakumar for clarification.

Additionally, the Chief Minister criticized the agreement between India and the United States (US), claiming it would adversely affect farmers and suggested that the Prime Minister capitulated to US pressure.

Regarding calls for a ministerial position for members of the Valmiki community, Siddaramaiah responded that no ministers had been removed from the Cabinet; rather, resignations occurred due to unavoidable circumstances. He stated that this matter would be revisited during the next Cabinet expansion.

When questioned about Minister S.S. Mallikarjun's alleged resignation, Siddaramaiah dismissed the claim as inaccurate.

On social media platform X, CM Siddaramaiah remarked, "Prime Minister Modi's silence in the Lok Sabha during the Motion of Thanks debate is a display of cowardice. This motion was passed for the first time in India's parliamentary history without a Prime Minister's response. A Prime Minister who shuns Parliament evades accountability."

He further expressed concern over the government's silencing of the Opposition, particularly when Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition, was interrupted while discussing pressing national security issues and attempting to reference excerpts from an article based on former Army Chief General M.M. Naravane's book.

With numerous questions left unaddressed, CM Siddaramaiah accused the Prime Minister of choosing not to attend the Lok Sabha at all.

"The biased conduct of Speaker Om Birla, who justified this unprecedented break from parliamentary tradition, has tarnished the dignity of the Lok Sabha. The Speaker's duty is to protect Parliament, not shield the executive," he concluded.