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2mo ago

Karnataka Budget 2025 Highlights Welfare Spending, Faces Opposition Criticism

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's 16th budget increases funding for welfare schemes and Bengaluru infrastructure while drawing opposition claims of selective appeasement.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presents the state Budget 2025-26, in Bengaluru.
Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah presenting the Budget 2025-26 during the Budget session of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, in Jammu,on 07 March 2025.
Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, L K Atheeq, shared this on X.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Overview

  • The Karnataka government has allocated Rs 51,034 crore for welfare guarantees, including Rs 2,000 monthly aid for women, free bus rides for women, and free electricity up to 200 units.
  • Bengaluru infrastructure received a significant boost with Rs 7,000 crore earmarked for projects such as lake rejuvenation, metro expansion, and new road networks.
  • Opposition parties, including BJP and JDS, criticized the budget for prioritizing allocations to minority communities, calling it 'appeasement over development.'
  • The Congress government highlighted Rs 42,018 crore allocated for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities and increased reservations for contractors from these groups.
  • Funds were also set aside for other religious groups, including Rs 150 crore for Waqf properties, Rs 100 crore each for Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs, and Rs 250 crore for Christians.