Congress MP Shreyas M Patel Criticizes Union Budget, Calls It "Bihar Budget" and Disappointing for Karnataka

Congress MP Shreyas M Patel expresses disappointment with Union Budget 2025, claiming it favored Bihar over Karnataka, despite Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman representing Karnataka in the Rajya Sabha.

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Sumit Kumar
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Shreyas M Patel

By A Staff Reporter

Congress MP Shreyas M Patel has voiced strong dissatisfaction with the recently presented Union Budget 2025, claiming it felt more like a "Bihar budget" than one addressing national concerns. Patel’s remarks reflect growing discontent among Karnataka MPs, who feel the state has been sidelined despite Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman representing Karnataka in the Rajya Sabha.

"I thought it is going to be the Union Budget today, but it turned out to be the Bihar budget," Patel remarked, expressing frustration over the budget’s perceived focus on Bihar-centric allocations. "It was disheartening to Karnataka MPs and Kannadigas. Meanwhile, the (Union) Finance Minister has been elected from Karnataka as a Rajya Sabha member, but I don’t know why she has disappointed the people of Karnataka," he added.

Patel’s comments come amid criticism from opposition leaders who argue that the Union Budget has disproportionately favored certain states, especially Bihar, while neglecting developmental needs in southern states like Karnataka. Key issues raised include inadequate allocations for infrastructure, education, and social welfare schemes in Karnataka, sectors where the state had high expectations of central support.

The BJP, however, defended the budget, claiming it reflects balanced growth for all states, with a focus on national priorities. Karnataka BJP leaders have dismissed Patel’s criticism as politically motivated, asserting that the state has received substantial support through central schemes and infrastructure projects.