BENGALURU, March 26 -- Chief minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday delivered a defence of his government's 2026-27 budget in the Legislative Assembly, rejecting Opposition criticism over fiscal management and brushing aside claims that its presentation was influenced by superstition.

Replying to a debate on the budget he presented on March 6, Siddaramaiah argued that Karnataka's finances remain within acceptable limits, particularly when compared with other large states. He said the revised estimate for the fiscal deficit in 2025-26 stood at 2.95%, placing the state in a relatively stronger position.

"Even when compared to the progressive states around us in South India, our fiscal deficit remains within the prescribed limits. Opposition l...