Exclusive: Siddaramaiah secures green signal from Rahul Gandhi to present budget

Bengaluru

In a clear indication of his continuing influence within the party High Command, Chief Minister (CM) Siddaramaiah has reportedly secured approval from Rahul Gandhi to present the State Budget on March 6.

Sources within the party told blrpost.com that the Siddaramaiah began formal budget preparations soon after receiving Gandhi’s go-ahead. The development underscores Siddaramaiah’s sustained political standing with Gandhi at a time when Deputy Chief Minister (Dy.CM) D K Shivakumar is widely believed to be intensifying efforts to stake his claim for the CM’s post.

According to party insiders, Gandhi — who also serves as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha — is not inclined toward a leadership change in Karnataka at least until the conclusion of the upcoming Assembly elections in Assam and Kerala. This effectively means that Shivakumar may have to wait longer for an opportunity at the helm. The High Command, sources added, has advised Shivakumar to exercise patience.

Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah has commenced a series of pre-budget consultations and review meetings. The Budget is scheduled to be presented on March 6, with the speech likely to begin before 10:30 a.m., government sources said.

Despite the favourable signals from Gandhi, Siddaramaiah’s camp is said to be leaving little to chance. Party insiders claim that contingency plans, including three overseas tours for loyalist MLAs, were reportedly drawn up in advance in anticipation of any sudden political developments. The strategy allegedly involved sending pro-Siddaramaiah legislators abroad in three separate batches.

Although the current scenario appears stable, 22 MLAs have already travelled to Australia nearly five days ago. The private visit has been described as an “agricultural study tour,” though a few legislators chose not to participate. It remains unclear whether the second and third batches will proceed as originally planned.

Sources further indicated that Siddaramaiah has positioned himself as steadfastly loyal to Gandhi and willing to step down only if directed by the High Command. However, close confidants suggest that he remains determined to retain his position, even as the political shadow-boxing between him and Shivakumar continues.