The BJP has launched a scathing attack on the Congress-led Siddaramaiah government, branding its latest financial plan as a “Halal Budget”, accusing it of blatant appeasement politics and religion-based reservations. The controversy erupted after the state budget allocated special provisions for Muslims, including 4% reservation in public works contracts under Category-II B, financial assistance for Muslim marriages, and increased funding for Waqf properties.
BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya took to social media, slamming the Congress for what he called a “sinister plan” to undermine the rights of SCs, STs, and OBCs. “No reservation can be provided based on religion. India will not let the Congress succeed in their divisive politics,” he asserted, recalling former PM Manmohan Singh’s controversial 2006 statement that “Muslims must have the first claim on resources.”
Karnataka BJP, in a fiery post on X, attacked Siddaramaiah, calling him a “Scam CM” and listing several budget allocations favoring Muslims, including:
- ₹50,000 assistance for Muslim marriages
- ₹150 crore for Waqf properties & graveyards
- ₹50 lakh for Muslim cultural programs
- New ITI college in Muslim-dominated areas
- 50% fee concession for Muslim students
- Residential PU college for Muslim girls in Ullal
- Expansion of Bengaluru’s Haj Bhavan
- Self-defense training for Muslim girls
The budget provisions have reignited the debate on religion-based reservations, with BJP leaders warning that “appeasement politics” will not go unchallenged. As political tensions escalate, Karnataka has become the latest battleground for a national debate on secularism, affirmative action, and electoral strategies targeting minority communities.