Siddaramaiah will present budget next year too, says Shivakumar

Bengaluru: Dismissing speculation about a leadership change, deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday asserted that chief minister Siddaramaiah will remain in office and present the next budget.
"Why are you asking this? He is the CM, and he will present the next budget in 2026 as well," Shivakumar told reporters, quelling talk of a power-sharing formula.
He hailed the state budget as a "role model" for the country, highlighting its major infrastructure push, especially in Bengaluru.
Earlier, cooperation minister KN Rajanna said Siddaramaiah would continue in his post and present the state budget next year as well. "He (Siddaramaiah) will present the next budget (2026-27) and the one after that (2027-28). There is no doubt about it. If there are any doubts or changes, they will be per the high command's decision," said Rajanna, who is considered close to Siddaramaiah.
As the minister in charge of Bengaluru development, Shivakumar detailed the addition of 700-800km of new roads. "We are adding 700-800km of new roads. It may seem unimaginable, but the govt has planned it. We may take loans, but we want to provide relief to the people," he said.
The govt has guaranteed Rs 19,000 crore to BBMP for north-south and east-west tunnel corridors, costing Rs 40,000 crore. Additionally, a 40.5km double-decker flyover will be built at Rs 8,916 crore, alongside Namma Metro Phase 3. A 300 km road network will also be developed at Rs 3,000 crore along canal buffer zones.
Defends BCU renaming
Shivakumar defended renaming Bengaluru City University after former Prime Minister late Dr Manmohan Singh. "They (BJP) have named institutions after Deendayal Upadhyaya — should we not name one after Manmohan Singh? Who built the airport flyover, Electronics City flyover, and Nelamangala flyover? Who introduced MGNREGA, Right to Education, Right to Information, and Food Security? What has BJP done?" he asked. "It is not confined to Bangalore University, we will rename for more institutions after Singh as his name should be remembered by all of us," he added.
‘More irrigation plans in pipeline'
Shivakumar also expressed happiness over a Rs 5,000 crore allocation for Kalyana Karnataka's development, crediting Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for securing special status for the region. When asked about irrigation budget concerns, he clarified, "The department has received Rs 2,000 crore more this time. There are additional plans, which will be announced later."
Hits back at BJP over ‘halal budget' remark
Shivakumar dismissed BJP's allegations of minority appeasement by the govt. "They (BJP) have read the budget with their eyes and listened to the speech with their ears. They cannot lie to their eyes or ears, but they can lie with their mouths — so they are lying and making such claims," he quipped.
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Kharge urges Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar to unite for K'taka's development
Kalaburagi: Amid the ongoing power tussle within the ruling Congress in Karnataka, party president Mallikarjun Kharge Saturday urged chief minister Siddaramaiah and deputy CM DK Shivakumar to work together and prioritise state's development. He also said if they move in different directions, it will be ‘difficult'. The leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha was speaking at an event to flag off Kalyana Patha project at Jewargi here. The project will be undertaken at a cost of Rs 1,000 crore. Lauding Siddaramaiah for presenting a ‘good' 16th budget on Friday, Congress president Mallikarjun said the party consistently supports and encourages individuals doing good work.