Shivamogga, Feb 2 (NationPress) Expressing his support for the Union Budget 2026-27, Karnataka BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra emphasized that this budget paves the way for the nation to progress confidently towards a developed India by 2047 without the trepidation of tariff-trade conflicts. He further noted that the Centre has augmented the state's tax share.

In a media interaction on Monday in Shivamogga, Vijayendra remarked that the global landscape must also be considered, pointing out that despite the tariff and trade obstacles introduced by US President Donald Trump, the Finance Minister has rolled out numerous reforms that resonate with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to propel the country towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her ninth Budget on Sunday, which has garnered widespread acclaim for being an exemplary initiative aimed at Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Vijayendra pointed out that the Finance Minister has once again illustrated a transition from uncertainty to clarity, from extravagance to reform, highlighting that public welfare takes precedence over populism.

He commended the Budget for focusing on critical sectors such as industry, tourism, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and agriculture. Stressing the necessity of fiscal responsibility, Vijayendra stated that reducing the fiscal deficit to 4.4% reflects the Finance Minister’s dedication to effective economic management.

Vijayendra highlighted that Karnataka boasts a significant number of coconut growers, alongside cashew, cocoa, fisheries, and sandalwood producers, and the Budget offers considerable advantages to these industries, which is greatly appreciated.

He criticized the Congress government led by Siddaramaiah for unjustly attacking the Centre over the past two and a half years.

According to him, the 16th Finance Commission has announced a 10% enhancement based on GDP contribution, which has led to an increase in Karnataka’s share of central taxes from 3.65% to 4.13%. This change is expected to yield an additional Rs 7,387 crore annually and a total of Rs 63,050 crore over five years.

Vijayendra noted that before 2014, during the UPA administration, only about Rs 2 lakh crore was allocated each year for infrastructure development. However, since the NDA government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi took charge, this amount has surged to Rs 12 lakh crore, and the latest Budget has escalated this figure to Rs 12.2 lakh crore, which he termed a revolutionary move.

He observed that increased funding for roads, railways, ports, and airports would significantly expedite the country's development.

Vijayendra stated that the Budget has boldly aimed to double farmers’ incomes by increasing financial allocations to the food, commerce, and fisheries sectors by 6%. He reiterated that Prime Minister Modi has consistently asserted that for the nation to thrive, priority must be given to the impoverished, farmers, women, and youth.

In alignment with this vision, the Finance Minister has fostered women entrepreneurship and employment through initiatives like ‘She Mart’ aimed at empowering women to launch businesses and take prominent roles in society, he added.

He also praised the Budget for prioritizing women’s education by announcing the creation of a women’s hostel in each district. By treating higher education as a priority sector, the Budget has increased financial aid by 13%, which he welcomed.

Moreover, he noted the introduction of high-speed rail corridors, particularly the Hyderabad-Bengaluru and Chennai-Bengaluru routes, which are expected to draw more industries to Bengaluru, the city that generates the highest tax revenue. The state BJP chief emphasized that the Budget prioritizes youth, women, and farmers, aligning with the vision of a developed India.