Bengaluru, Feb. 2 -- Karnataka Home Minister G Parmeshwara on Monday mounted a scathing attack on the Centre over the Union Budget 2026, terming it "disappointing" and "not forward-looking."

Parmeshwara said the budget failed to address key national priorities and questioned the Centre's intent on poverty alleviation and development.

Speaking to reporters, Parmeshwara said, "This year's Union Budget is disappointing, not forward-looking, and not a pro-poor budget. Is removing poverty, the agriculture sector, industry, or infrastructure not a priority for them? It is not taking India forward."

The state Home Minister also spoke at length about freedom of speech and the decision to forward a state bill to the President Draupadi Murmu.

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