Bengaluru- Karnataka BJP leadership has urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah not to divert funds allocated for marginalized communities in the upcoming 2025-26 budget scheduled for March 7.
State BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra made these remarks during a workshop focused on "Public Movement Against the Misuse of SCP-TSP Funds by the Anti-Dalit Congress Government" at the party's Bengaluru headquarters.
"Since Siddaramaiah is going to present his last budget on March 7, we demand he not divert funds allocated for marginalized communities," Vijayendra stated, highlighting that the party organized awareness workshops for community leaders statewide.
Vijayendra claimed that SC/ST communities have faced continuous injustice and warned that without public vigilance, the government might repeat similar actions in the upcoming budget. He emphasized the BJP's commitment to "Antyodaya" - uplifting the most disadvantaged members of society.
The BJP leader alleged financial discrepancies in previous allocations, claiming that while Rs 39,914 crore was announced for SCP-TSP schemes last year, only Rs 23,485 crore was released, with actual expenditure of Rs 20,404 crore.
Vijayendra raised concerns about Karnataka's financial health, citing:
Pending bills of Rs 6,000 crore across various departments
KSRTC transportation dues of Rs 7,000 crore
Difficulty meeting government salary obligations
Struggles with electricity bill payments
He accused the Congress of exploiting B.R. Ambedkar's name during elections while failing to deliver meaningful improvements for oppressed communities. "Unfortunately, after Siddaramaiah's government came to power in Karnataka, more than Rs 15,000 crore meant for welfare of those communities has been diverted in the last financial year," Vijayendra claimed.
The BJP leader renewed demands for the government to release a white paper on the state's financial situation.
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