BJP Blames Karnataka Government for Misusing SC/ST Funds; Calls on Rahul Gandhi to Respond
Synopsis
The BJP in Karnataka alleges that the Congress government is misappropriating funds intended for SC/ST communities, urging Rahul Gandhi to confront this issue. R. Ashoka claims a systematic diversion of funds is undermining welfare programs.
Key Takeaways
BJP accuses the Congress government of misappropriating SC/ST funds.
The total funds allocated under SCSP and TSP are Rs 42,018 crore .
Approximately Rs 39,000 crore has allegedly been misused.
Ashoka demands accountability from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Protests are being organized to address these allegations.
Bengaluru, March 4 (NationPress) The BJP's Karnataka branch has accused the Congress-led state government of misappropriating funds intended for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP). The party has urged Rahul Gandhi, the senior Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, to address this pressing issue.
R. Ashoka, the Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, claimed on Wednesday that the government has systematically rerouted funds designated for SC/ST welfare over the last three budgets to support its guarantee schemes.
He described this as a “strategic, year-after-year theft” of resources that should benefit Dalit and tribal communities.
Ashoka stated that of the Rs 42,018 crore allocated under SCSP and TSP, approximately Rs 35,000 crore has been misappropriated for these schemes, leaving merely Rs 7,000 crore for essential development initiatives.
He further asserted that nearly Rs 39,000 crore earmarked for SC/ST welfare has been misused.
The funds, which are legally required for education, health, and empowerment programs for SC/ST communities, are being treated as a “personal piggy bank” due to what he termed the Chief Minister’s financial mismanagement.
Ashoka also criticized Rahul Gandhi, noting that although he advocates slogans like “Jitna Abadi, Utna Haq” nationally, he has been silent on what the BJP leader calls a “historic injustice” occurring in Karnataka, which is currently under Congress rule.
He questioned whether the diversion of funds is consistent with the Congress party's professed commitment to equity and social justice.
Moreover, Ashoka accused the Congress government of continuously targeting SC/ST allocations to sustain its “freebie politics,” which he deemed a direct violation of the legal rights of these communities.
He warned of impending protests, stating that over 70 organizations are ready to oppose what he describes as “institutionalized injustice.” He demanded that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah unequivocally commit in the next Budget to halt any alleged misappropriation of SCSP and TSP funds.
Point of View
The BJP's allegations highlight significant concerns about the management of funds designated for marginalized communities. The call for accountability from political leaders underscores the need for transparency and justice for the SC/ST populations affected by these claims.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are SCSP and TSP?
SCSP stands for Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan and TSP stands for Tribal Sub-Plan, both of which are financial allocations made for the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Who made the allegations against the Karnataka government?
The allegations were made by R. Ashoka, the Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, representing the BJP.
How much funding has allegedly been misallocated?
R. Ashoka claims that approximately Rs 39,000 crore intended for SC/ST welfare has been misused.
What is the response of Rahul Gandhi to these allegations?
As of now, Rahul Gandhi has not publicly addressed the allegations made by the BJP regarding the misallocation of SC/ST funds.
What actions are being threatened by the BJP?
The BJP has warned of protests, stating that over 70 organizations are ready to oppose what they term 'institutionalized injustice.'
