Bengaluru, Feb. 6 -- Chief minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday initiated formal consultations for the 2026-27 state budget, beginning a series of department-wise reviews.

The first session was held with the forest and environment department at Vidhana Soudha, where the chief minister, who also oversees the finance portfolio, examined the department's performance so far and its funding requirements for the coming fiscal year.

The discussions form part of a broader pre-budget exercise that will shape spending priorities across the government.

Siddaramaiah, who has presented more state budgets than any of his predecessors, is preparing to table what will be his 16th budget. The run-up to the exercise has drawn attention in political and adm...