Is BJP Attempting to Stir Communal Tensions? Siddaramaiah Stands by Urdu Funding

Bengaluru, May 27 (NationPress) The Karnataka government has publicly defended its move to allocate Rs 100 crore for the enhancement of the Urdu language, contrasting it with the Rs 32 crore designated for Kannada, while also accusing the BJP of fueling communal discord within the state.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated, “The Rs 100 crore is earmarked for the improvement of Urdu-medium schools, ensuring better classrooms, qualified teachers, updated textbooks, and enhanced infrastructure. This investment is aimed not solely at language promotion, but at the holistic advancement of educational institutions benefitting a significant number of students.”

Previously, the BJP had criticized the Karnataka government for this funding allocation, and anti-government posters released by the Karnataka BJP gained widespread traction.

“This is a calculated effort to provoke communal unrest,” Siddaramaiah condemned the BJP.

He asserted that associating a language exclusively with a specific caste or religion undermines the value of that language, reiterating the Karnataka government’s commitment to honoring all languages in the state.

“Hence, we have established individual academies for Tulu, Konkani, Kodava, Byari, and Arebhashe, each receiving an annual grant of Rs 80 lakh, along with additional funding for cultural initiatives,” elaborated Siddaramaiah.

Further criticizing the BJP, he claimed they are perpetuating a misleading narrative that the state administration is neglecting Kannada in favor of Urdu.

“This assertion is not merely inaccurate; it is a deliberate ploy to create communal discord. It is regrettable that a national party behaves like irresponsible internet trolls, propagating such unfounded claims,” he asserted.

The Chief Minister revealed that for the fiscal year 2025–26, the state government has allocated: Rs 34,438 crore to the Department of Primary and Secondary Education; Rs 4,150 crore to schools under Social Welfare and other sectors.

“This totals Rs 38,688 crore, all aimed at Kannada-medium education. Additionally, Rs 999.30 crore has been reserved for maintaining government schools and upgrading infrastructure. This funding supports Kannada education. Thus, the BJP's claim that only Rs 32 crore is allocated to Kannada is a clear political fabrication intended to mislead the public,” Siddaramaiah stated.

He reaffirmed that there is a dedicated Department of Kannada and Culture that operates 14 academies, three authorities, and 24 trusts named after Kannada authors.

“These bodies are dedicated to the promotion of Kannada language, literature, and cultural heritage. For the Congress, Kannada transcends mere language; it embodies our identity, pride, and mother tongue. Our government has always fiercely advocated for Kannada, Karnataka, and our people. We will never compromise on safeguarding our land, water, or language, nor will we tolerate any disrespect towards our culture,” remarked Siddaramaiah.

He emphasized that the BJP's attempts to mislead the populace by asserting that only Rs 32 crore was allocated for Kannada is not just untrue but a betrayal of Karnataka.

“We urge the BJP to promptly clarify their statements and apologize to the citizens of the state for this dangerous and divisive propaganda,” Siddaramaiah demanded.

Earlier, the Karnataka government’s decision to require Urdu as a mandatory language for Anganwadi teacher applicants in Mudigere and Chikkamagaluru districts triggered significant backlash in September 2024, particularly from the opposition BJP, which accused the government of favoring minority interests at the expense of the state's linguistic heritage.