Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's ninth consecutive budget presentation has sparked a spectrum of reactions across Karnataka's historic Old Mysuru region. While the budget contained no district-specific or sector-specific announcements for this area, including its significant coffee-growing communities, the response has been decidedly mixed with both enthusiastic support and sharp criticism emerging from various stakeholders.
Industry Associations Welcome Development Focus
The Mysuru Industries Association expressed strong approval for the budgetary provisions, particularly highlighting measures aimed at strengthening micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). According to P Vishwanath, the association's president, and Suresh Kumar Jain, its general secretary, the budget delivers substantial momentum for industrial growth through several strategic initiatives.
Key Industrial Allocations and Schemes
The semiconductor sector receives a major boost with an allocation of Rs 40,000 crore, signaling the government's commitment to advancing Semiconductor Mission 2.0. Additionally, a Container Manufacturing Scheme with Rs 10,000 crore allocated over five years aims to establish a globally competitive manufacturing ecosystem.
Other significant industrial measures include:
- A renewed National Textile Policy focusing on mega textile parks
- A dedicated scheme to enhance construction and infrastructure equipment manufacturing
- Revival plans for 200 industrial clusters across the country
- Creation of champion SMEs with specialized support mechanisms
- Establishment of a Rs 10,000 crore SME growth fund
- Comprehensive skill development initiatives for industrial workforce enhancement
The association also noted that proposed high-speed rail links connecting Bengaluru to Hyderabad and Chennai would further strengthen regional connectivity and industrial development.
Regional Business Perspectives
HK Kiran, vice-president of Hassan District Chamber of Commerce and director of FKCCI, acknowledged that the budget recognizes both opportunities and challenges within the current global economic framework. He emphasized that the budget adopts a long-term development perspective spanning the next two decades.
"With the announcement of developing 200 industries in the budget," Kiran stated, "there is a compelling need to establish a major industrial hub within Hassan district to capitalize on these opportunities."
Political Opposition and Criticism
Chamarajanagara MP Sunil Bose launched a sharp critique of the budget, arguing that it represents a significant departure from BR Ambedkar's foundational vision for India's development. He recalled Ambedkar's emphasis on progressive taxation, fiscal federalism, and substantial public investment in infrastructure, agriculture, and welfare programs to build a self-reliant economy that addresses caste-based disparities.
"None of these principles were followed in this budget," Bose alleged. "It is an anti-states, anti-social justice and anti-development budget."
He highlighted several concerns:
- Only 0.3% allocation dedicated to social justice initiatives
- Rising government borrowings reaching Rs 201 lakh crore
- Absence of clear employment generation or poverty alleviation plans
- No comprehensive roadmap for infrastructure development
- Perceived neglect of Karnataka's specific developmental needs
Agricultural Sector Disappointment
Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha president Badagalapura Nagendra expressed profound disappointment with the budget's treatment of agriculture. He noted that while the previous budget allocated Rs 1.7 lakh crore to agriculture, this year's allocation has been reduced to just Rs 1.6 lakh crore.
"Agriculture was completely neglected once again," Nagendra stated. "Sugarcane growers' expectations were dashed, and there is no focus on rural infrastructure or concrete programmes for rural development."
He further alleged that the budget favors states ruled by NDA allies while neglecting others, particularly in south India, and warned that it would only increase the country's debt burden without delivering substantive development.
Supportive Political Voices
BJP district spokesperson MA Mohan offered a contrasting perspective, welcoming the budget as "meant for the people and not for popularity." Despite the Economic Survey projecting a growth target of 7.4%, Mohan expressed confidence that the budget would help India achieve double-digit economic growth, reflecting optimism about its long-term economic impact.
The divergent responses from industry bodies, agricultural representatives, and political figures across the Old Mysuru region underscore the complex and multifaceted nature of budget reception in this historically significant part of Karnataka.
