Bengaluru: Even as former CM Siddharamaiah is in disagreement over a new full Budget for 2018-19, Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy (HDK) has got support from Dy.CM Dr. G. Parameshwara and Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who have indirectly batted for him.

Speaking to Press persons here yesterday, Dr. Parameshwara said that it is common practice for new Government to evolve their own programmes and announce the same in the Budget. “It is routine for any new Govt. to present its own full-fledged Budget that would reflect its promises and commitments to the electorate,” he said.

The comment is seen as a counter to former CM Siddharamaiah, who on Saturday had opposed Kumaraswamy’s wish to present a fresh Budget. He wanted Kumaraswamy to present a supplementary Budget if necessary by incorporating some of his (HDK) fresh programmes including farm-loan waiver. Siddharamaiah’s suggestion was opposed by Kumaraswamy. Concurring with Kumaraswamy’s view, Dr. Parameshwara said that, however, the issue should be discussed first in the Co-ordination Committee meeting. Pointing out that a Committee has been formed to draft the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) for the Coalition Government, he said that the Budget cannot be presented without the CMP.

Pre-Budget Meetings from June 21

Not paying heed to former Chief Minister Siddharamaiah, who has opposed presentation of a fresh 2018-19 Budget, CM Kumaraswamy has convened pre-Budget consultations with officials of various Departments from June 21 to 30 at Bengaluru. Meanwhile, it is learnt that the CM is planning to present a new full-fledged Budget in the first week of July.