The monsoon session of the state legislature in Karnataka will begin on Monday, marking the first full-fledged session under the Congress government. Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot will address a joint sitting of both houses on the first day, as customary after a new government takes charge. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will present the budget for the remaining eight months of the financial year, with all eyes on how funds will be mobilized for the implementation of the Congress’ five guarantees. These guarantees require a staggering Rs 42,000 crore for the current fiscal year. Additionally, the chief minister faces pressure to mobilize around Rs 13,000 crore for the pay hike of government employees.
Siddaramaiah has indicated a possible increase in the budget size to Rs 3.35 lakh crore, up from Rs 3.09 lakh crore. This could provide an additional Rs 26,000 crore for expenditure. The chief minister is expected to achieve this by raising the yearly revenue targets from stamps and registrations, excise, and motor vehicles tax. It is likely that additional excise duty on liquor and service tax on fine-dining joints will be increased.
Given the focus on the Congress’ five guarantees, Siddaramaiah is unlikely to announce any new schemes and may even drop some schemes previously announced by the BJP government. The budget presentation may not offer any major surprises. On the other hand, the upcoming session is expected to witness a confrontation between the treasury and opposition benches over the repeal of amendments made to the APMC (Agricultural Produce Market Committee) Act and anti-cow slaughter and anti-conversion laws passed during the tenure of the BJP government.
The BJP has clearly stated its intention to strongly oppose the passage of these bills and rally public support against the state government. The party has planned protests both inside and outside the legislature, criticizing the government for not fulfilling its campaign promises. The BJP demands an additional 10 kg of rice for below poverty line families, in addition to the 5 kg provided by the Centre. They also seek ballot guarantees without any conditions.
The JD(S) plans to corner the government over allegations of corruption in transfers. Former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy has been actively challenging the new government, and his commitment to attending the session indicates his intent to hold the government accountable for its actions.
