(Photo: The News Minute)

In a heated response to the Karnataka state government’s recently unveiled budget for 2025-2026, the BJP has launched a fierce critique, dubbing it a “halal budget” and accusing the Congress-led administration of engaging in appeasement politics. The total expenditure for this budget is projected to be a staggering ₹4,09,549 crore.

BJP leaders took to social media platform X to express their discontent, stating, “Karnataka presents a Halal Budget—appeasement at its peak!” They pointed out specific provisions that appear to favor the Muslim community while questioning the absence of similar allocations for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). This has led to accusations that the Congress government is neglecting the needs of other communities in favor of minority welfare.

Pradeep Bhandari, a national spokesperson for the BJP, escalated the criticism by labeling the budget a “modern Muslim League” budget, suggesting that the Karnataka government operates in a manner reminiscent of how Muhammad Ali Jinnah governed Pakistan. This provocative comparison has intensified the political discourse surrounding the budget.

Among the notable announcements made by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during the budget presentation was a 4% reservation for Muslims in government tenders and contracts. This initiative is aimed at promoting economic inclusion and ensuring equitable business opportunities for minority groups.

The budget outlines a revenue expenditure of ₹3,11,739 crore, capital expenditure of ₹71,336 crore, and a loan repayment of ₹26,474 crore. However, BJP state president BY Vijayendra has voiced strong opposition to the reservation move, urging the government to retract it immediately. He criticized the budget for focusing on appeasing the Muslim community while failing to contribute to the comprehensive development of the education sector and lacking support for industries that could generate jobs.

As the political battle intensifies, the implications of this budget will likely resonate throughout Karnataka, raising questions about the balance between minority welfare and the needs of other communities in the state.

Original Article:

The Financial Express. (2025, April 5). BJP slams Karnataka govt’s 2025-26 budget, calls it ‘halal budget’. https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/bjp-slams-karnataka-govts-2025-26-budget-calls-it-halal-budget/3770496/