Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has stirred fresh debate after stating that he continues to eat non-vegetarian food even on festivals like Ugadi and Maha Shivaratri, when many people follow vegetarian diets for religious reasons.
Speaking during the ongoing budget session in the state assembly, Siddaramaiah said personal beliefs should not be imposed on others. “On festivals like Ugadi and Shivaratri, many people avoid non-vegetarian food, but I have non-vegetarian food even on those days. There is nothing wrong with it. For me, every day is the same,” he said.
He added that festivals are socially designated days and do not change his personal habits.
Rejects Belief in Auspicious Timings
The Chief Minister also addressed criticism from the opposition over his decision to avoid so-called inauspicious timings while presenting the 2026 budget.
He clarified that he does not believe in concepts like Rahu Kaala, Gulika Kaala, or Yamaganda Kaala. “I have presented many budgets in the past during Rahu Kaala. This time, my family members and officers requested that I avoid it, and I respected their wishes. I believe in democracy,” he said.
Siddaramaiah maintained that governance decisions should not be guided by superstition. “Personally, I have never been concerned about such timings or beliefs around eclipses,” he added.
Opposition Targets CM Over ‘Change’ in Stand
Leader of Opposition R Ashok had questioned Siddaramaiah’s move, suggesting it reflected political uncertainty.
Ashok remarked that the Chief Minister may have followed auspicious timing this year out of concern about his political future. The comment came as part of a broader attack by the opposition during the budget discussion.
CM Defends Personal Beliefs and Governance
Responding to the criticism, Siddaramaiah said belief is a personal matter. “Each person has his or her own belief. What is wrong with eating non-vegetarian food on festival days? While I believe there is a god, it does not mean I must go only to a temple to find him. God is everywhere,” he said.
He also referred to the teachings of 12th-century social reformer Basavanna, saying spirituality is internal and not limited to rituals.
Defends State’s Borrowing and Budget
Apart from the cultural debate, Siddaramaiah also defended his government’s financial decisions after presenting his record 17th budget.
Rejecting allegations that Karnataka is running on excessive debt, he said, “The claim that the government is running on borrowed money is incorrect. We have borrowed Rs 1.32 lakh crore out of a total budget of Rs 4.48 lakh crore.”
He explained that borrowing is necessary for welfare schemes and development and that the government has stayed within prescribed limits. He added that Karnataka’s total outstanding debt stands at Rs 8.24 lakh crore, which he described as a standard practice for governments.
Blames Centre for Revenue Challenges
The Chief Minister also blamed the Union government for affecting the state’s revenue position. He said Karnataka aimed to present a revenue surplus budget for 2026 to 2027, but could not achieve it due to central policies.
“State GST growth was 10 percent, but after the Centre reduced GST rates, it dropped to 4 percent. Several states have opposed this and demanded compensation,” he said.
Siddaramaiah concluded that the lack of support from the Centre has impacted Karnataka’s finances, while reiterating that his government remains committed to welfare and development.
