‘Make people confident in federal structure’: Law Minister HK Patil ahead of Union Budget

HUBBALLI: Ahead of the Union Budget 2026, Law Minister H K Patil emphasised the need for the budget to strengthen India’s federal structure and promote cooperative federalism.

Patil urged Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to instil confidence in the federal bodies and ensure the Centre addresses all aspects. He questioned how the budget will address the alleged injustices done to South India, particularly Karnataka, regarding the allocation of funds. He pointed out that Karnataka contributes significantly to the Government of India’s kitty, but receives less than 15 per cent of the funds.

#WATCH | Hubballi, Dharwad: On Union Budget 2026, Karnataka Minister HK Patil says, “…What is important is how this budget is going to make people confident in the federal structure and how cooperative federalism will really work in India. We have heard a lot of things in the… pic.twitter.com/L7P2jCrt9l

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Patil said, “What is important is how this budget is going to make people confident in the federal structure and how cooperative federalism will really work in India. We have heard a lot of things in the six months about the injustice being done to South India, particularly Karnataka. The money that was assured has not been given; the proper allocation has not been made… How can Karnataka get less than 15% out of what we contribute to the Government of India’s kitty? How is this going to be answered by Nirmala Sitharaman? Ultimately, they will have to instil confidence in the federal bodies that they are taking care of all aspects… This is something that the Government of India should take very seriously”.

The minister also criticised the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, which replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). “This VB-G RAM G (Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission-Gramin) law should be disbanded. MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) should be re-established to help rural areas flourish in the future”, he added.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present a record ninth consecutive Union Budget on February 1 (Sunday). (ANI)