Karnataka BJP Calls on Siddaramaiah to Protect Funding for Marginalised Communities Ahead of Budget
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Synopsis
The Karnataka BJP has strongly urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to ensure that funds allocated for marginalised communities remain intact in the upcoming budget. With the presentation set for March 7, concerns arise over potential redirection of these essential resources.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka BJP emphasizes protection of funds for marginalised communities.
- Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's final budget presentation is on March 7.
- BJP alleges misallocation of over Rs 15,000 crore meant for SC/ST welfare.
- Concerns raised over financial management and pending bills of Rs 6,000 crore.
- BJP commits to advocating for the rights of oppressed communities.
Bengaluru, Feb 20 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has appealed to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to refrain from reallocating the funds designated for marginalised communities in the upcoming budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, which is set to be revealed on March 7.
BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra emphasized that since Siddaramaiah is preparing to unveil his “final” budget on March 7, the BJP insists that he must not redirect the funds intended for marginalised communities.
“We conducted a workshop aimed at educating leaders to raise awareness within the community throughout the state regarding this critical issue,” he remarked.
He made these comments during a preparatory workshop focused on the ‘Public Movement Against the Misuse of SCP-TSP Funds by the Anti-Dalit Congress Government in Karnataka’ held at the BJP state headquarters, “Jagannath Bhavan” in Bengaluru.
Vijayendra cautioned that Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) communities have long faced injustice. He asserted that if individuals do not stay alert, the government will likely repeat previous missteps in the forthcoming budget.
He highlighted the necessity to advocate for the rights of the SC/ST communities.
Vijayendra stated that for the BJP to reclaim power in Karnataka, it is crucial to voice concerns for the oppressed and marginalised sections of society.
In his critique of the Congress administration led by Siddaramaiah, Vijayendra remarked that Congress leaders frequently present themselves as champions of AHINDA (an acronym for minorities, backward classes, and Dalits), yet in practice, they have severely wronged SC/ST communities.
He pointed out that the BJP is dedicated to the principle of “Antyodaya” (uplifting the most disadvantaged in society) and ensuring that benefits reach the most marginalised.
Vijayendra further alleged that during the previous fiscal year, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced an allocation of Rs 39,914 crore for the SCP-TSP scheme. However, only Rs 23,485 crore was actually disbursed, and from that, merely Rs 20,404 crore was utilized.
He noted that the BJP has previously initiated protests against the Congress government’s misuse of funds designated for SC/ST communities.
He warned that Siddaramaiah is expected to present another budget shortly, and if immediate action is not taken, the funds earmarked for these communities may again be redirected.
Vijayendra drew attention to a recent comment by the Karnataka Energy Minister, indicating that various departments, including PWD and irrigation, have outstanding bills totaling Rs 6,000 crore.
He questioned whether this situation stemmed from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s inexperience or his inability to implement the Congress government’s guarantee schemes, which he argued have led Karnataka into financial turmoil.
Accusing the state of edging towards bankruptcy, Vijayendra asserted that the government lacks sufficient funds to disburse salaries to state employees, with the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) owing Rs 7,000 crore, and the state grappling to pay electricity bills.
He reiterated his call for the government to publish a white paper concerning the state’s financial condition.
He criticized the Congress for invoking B.R. Ambedkar’s name in every election while neglecting to uplift oppressed communities.
He charged the Congress with projecting itself as a government that fulfills all its commitments, while in truth, farmers, the impoverished, and the youth continue to suffer under its governance.
He insisted that the Congress government should have prioritized the economic, educational, and social advancement of SC/ST communities. However, he maintained that despite frequently invoking Ambedkar’s name, the Congress has consistently betrayed these communities.
“Regrettably, since Siddaramaiah’s administration took office in Karnataka, funds intended for the welfare of these communities have been diverted. More than Rs 15,000 crore has been misallocated in the last fiscal year,” he concluded.
