Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday launched formal consultations for the state budget 2026-27, kicking off a series of department-wise reviews.
The Chief Minister started the budget discussion with the review of the departmentThe first session was held with the Forest and Environment Department at Vidhan Soudh, where the Chief Minister, who also oversees the Finance portfolio, reviewed the department’s performance so far and its funding requirements for the next financial year.
The discussions are part of a wider pre-budget exercise that will shape spending priorities across government.
Siddaramaiah, who has presented a larger state budget than any of his predecessors, is preparing to table what will be his 16th budget. The running of the exercise has caught the attention of political and administrative circles with interest in how allocations will be structured this year.
Thursday’s meeting included Forest and Environment Minister Ishwar Khandre, Financial Adviser Basavaraj Rayreddy, Principal Secretary to the Government Dr Shalini Rajneesh, Additional Chief Secretary Anjum Parvez and officials from the Finance and Forest Departments.
In the coming days, the chief minister is expected to continue consultations with other departments. These sessions will assess the state’s economic position, revenue collection projections and sector-specific requirements, which will guide the allocation of funds in the budget.
A central consideration in the discussion is the Congress government’s five guarantee scheme, which is a substantial financial commitment required to survive as a major component of the state spending plan.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Sivakumar has tried to firmly quell speculation of a leadership rift within the ruling Congress, insisting that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah enjoys the full support of party legislators and that the government remains united amid renewed chatter of a power struggle at the top.
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Sivakumar’s comments came against a backdrop of constant speculation in political circles about a possible change in leadership, internal discussions on power-sharing, social media posts by party leaders and heightened political activity.
“My strength is 139 including Siddaramaiah. Siddaramaiah is also with me, one hundred percent, no question. We both are working together, hand in hand,” said Sivakumar, who is also the state Congress president, adding that the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) is firmly behind the chief minister.
