<h1>Karnataka CM Defends 2025-26 Budget, Promises Surplus by 2026; Opposition Criticizes Borrowing Focus, Lacks Development.</h1> Karnataka's Chief Minister defended the 2025-26 budget, promising a revenue surplus by 2026. He highlighted fiscal discipline, noting a reduced revenue deficit from Rs 27,354 crore to Rs 19,262 crore. The fiscal deficit is at 2.91%, and borrowings are 24.95% of the GSDP, aligning with the Fiscal Responsibility Act. Criticizing the opposition for focusing on state borrowings, he pointed to the central government's higher borrowing rates. The opposition accused the government of increasing borrowings without focusing on development, with the budget labeled as 'short-sighted' and lacking focus on asset creation.