Karnataka Budget Picks Populist Measures From Delhi, Tamil Nadu And UP

In his last full budget before coming up for re-election, Karnataka's Congress government found inspiration in the populist schemes of Arvind Kejriwal, J Jayalalithaa and Akhilesh Yadav. In imitation of the 'Amma canteens' of J Jayalalithaa in next-door Tamil Nadu, Mr Siddaramiah announced that Karnataka will set up 198 Namma canteens in Bengaluru, which will dish out breakfast for Rs. 5, lunch and dinner for Rs. 10. This will cost the government Rs. 100 crore. People in other districts will get subsidised food through mobile canteens run by Self-Help Groups.