Karnataka to divert Rs 11,896 crore SC/ST funds for guarantees, BJP slams move
According to government data, similar reallocation of welfare funds has taken place in the previous two financial years. In 2023–24, Rs 11,114 crore from SCSP/TSP allocations was used for guarantee schemes, and in 2024–25, Rs 14,282.38 crore was allotted for the same purpose.Reacting strongly to the move, Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra took to X to accuse the Congress government of betraying marginalised communities. 'The Congress government, which has consistently exploited the oppressed communities to gain power, is now diverting Rs 11,896.84 crore allocated for the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for the implementation of its five guarantee schemes in the 2025–26 fiscal year. This move, aimed at using welfare funds to run its political agenda, is being condemned as a betrayal of Dalits and a blow to the very foundation of social justice,' he wrote.Taking aim at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Vijayendra added, 'Chief Minister @siddaramaiah, who often claims to be a leader of backward classes and a saviour of Dalits, has now taken the reprehensible step of diverting funds reserved for Dalit welfare towards guarantee schemes — a decision that deserves strong condemnation.'The BJP leader also recalled similar controversies in the previous year. 'Last year, the @INCKarnataka government misused all allocated funds for ST welfare and even looted the funds reserved for the Maharshi Valmiki Development Corporation. Now, by reallocating this year's SC/ST welfare funds towards guarantee schemes, the government has effectively written off the development of the state's marginalised communities.'He warned that if the decision is not reversed, the BJP would launch protests inside and outside the Assembly. '@BJP4Karnataka will not tolerate this move. If the state government fails to reverse this decision immediately, the BJP will raise its voice both inside and outside the Assembly and launch a strong protest in defence of the marginalised,' he said. - Ends
IN THIS STORY#Karnataka
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