Karnataka Budget 2025 At a Glance

Hubballi-Dharwad Gets a Raw Deal – Again!

For the 16th time, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has presented the Karnataka State Budget. But if you’re from Hubballi-Dharwad, you’re probably wondering—did he even remember this region exists?

Despite multiple representations from trade bodies, industries, and local leaders, the budget offers almost nothing of significance to North Karnataka’s second-largest metropolitan region. The much-hyped budget has turned out to be yet another Bengaluru-centric affair, leaving Hubballi-Dharwad residents disappointed.

Token Announcements, Zero Vision

The only crumbs thrown Hubballi-Dharwad’s way:

• A Global Technology Centre (GTC) with a plug-and-play facility.
• AI-enabled traffic cameras for better traffic management.

That’s it. No new IT parks. No boost for the FMCG cluster. No major infrastructure projects. No light rail transit, despite all the hype from district-in-charge minister Santosh Lad.

What About Hubballi-Dharwad’s Development Demands?

For years, local trade bodies have been pushing for:

• An FMCG cluster to attract major companies.
• IT & BT sector incentives to bring big players into the region.
• Light Rail Transit (LRT) to improve urban mobility.
• Additional funds for KMC-RI & Karnatak University, which are struggling due to lack of funding.

Yet, Siddaramaiah’s budget has completely ignored these demands. The government’s inaction is not just disappointing—it’s a blatant neglect of North Karnataka’s economic potential.

Political Reactions: A Divided Verdict

BJP, JD(S) Slam the Budget

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi called the budget economically hollow and politically motivated:

“This budget is driven by vote-bank politics and minority appeasement. Infrastructure is crucial for economic growth, yet it has been sidelined.”

Former Mayor Iresh Anchatageri echoed this sentiment, stating:

“This budget is a betrayal of Karnataka’s seven crore citizens. Bengaluru and Mysuru get everything, while districts like Hubballi-Dharwad are neglected.”

Congress Leaders Defend Siddaramaiah

Predictably, Congress leaders praised the budget, emphasizing its social welfare initiatives and pro-agriculture stance.

Economists’ Take: A Mixed Bag

While some experts found progressive aspects in the budget, others pointed out serious gaps:

• Vidya Magadum appreciated the focus on education reforms, but stressed the need for urgent rural school infrastructure improvement.
• Durgesh Pujari, Raghavendra Patil, Divya Kadkol hailed the emphasis on SC/ST welfare, agriculture, and rural development.
• Parvati Kalamadi welcomed higher pay for anganwadi workers and women’s safety provisions.

However, the glaring lack of infrastructure and regional balance remains a serious issue.

The Step-Son Treatment of Hubballi-Dharwad

While Bengaluru gets massive investments and futuristic projects, North Karnataka continues to be ignored. The people of Hubballi-Dharwad feel alienated, as funds and opportunities are hoarded for the capital city. This has led to increasing frustration among North Karnataka residents who demand fair allocation of resources.

For decades, Hubballi-Dharwad has been promised development, yet when it comes to real action, Bengaluru takes it all. It is time for the government to address this blatant regional discrimination and invest equally in all parts of Karnataka—not just one city.

The Bottom Line: Hubballi-Dharwad Deserves Better

Siddaramaiah’s 16th budget has once again proven one thing—Karnataka’s economic development is still Bengaluru-first, everyone-else-later.

For a city that has long been touted as Karnataka’s next big growth hub, Hubballi-Dharwad continues to be treated as an afterthought. Without bold investments in industry, infrastructure, and technology, North Karnataka will keep falling behind.

It’s time for the government to wake up. Karnataka is more than just Bengaluru. Will the people of Hubballi-Dharwad ever get the attention they deserve? Or will they have to wait for Budget #17 and hope Siddaramaiah finally takes notice? If at all Congress continues to stay in power.

As a native of Hubli-Dharwad – Iam deeply disappointed with this unfair Karnataka Budget 2025.