Bengaluru BJP Seeks Budget Boost: Pressure on CM Siddaramaiah

BJP legislators and MPs from Bengaluru met with CM Siddaramaiah, urging higher budget allocation for the city’s development. They called for Rs 150 crore for each Assembly segment, reduced metro fares, and timely BBMP elections. The CM reassured them of fund allocations within limitations.

BJP legislators and MPs from Bengaluru took a significant step on Friday, meeting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to demand a higher allocation of funds in the upcoming state budget dedicated to the city's development. The delegation, headed by state BJP President B Y Vijayendra and Leader of Opposition R Ashoka, pressed for a Rs 150 crore allocation for each Assembly segment of Bengaluru.

Among the highlighted issues were the potential reconsideration of the recent Metro fare hike, allocation of funds for constituencies represented by first-time MLAs, and the urgent need to conduct the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) elections. The meeting comes as Siddaramaiah, who also holds the finance portfolio, is set to present the 2025-26 budget on March 7, marking his 16th budget presentation.

During discussions, it was noted that previous administrations under BJP leaders allocated Rs 6,000-8,000 crores to BBMP annually for the city's development. Vijayendra emphasized the need for continued investments in infrastructure, highlighting ongoing and slow-paced projects. The Chief Minister responded positively, assuring that fund allocation would be considered, respecting budget constraints.

(With inputs from agencies.)