Karnataka BJP slams minister's remarks of giving Muslims 'a bit more' in budget

In a recent statement, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said that the Muslim community in the state was “given a bit more” in terms of budget allocation. But BJP leaders have slammed the Minister’s remarks and questioned him over “this kind of discrimination”.

The Minister, in his statement on “those who need support and development,” said that “for example, we have given 24 per cent to SCs (Scheduled Castes) and STs (Scheduled Tribes). Why are we giving SC and ST 24 per cent? It’s because they are left behind in society.”

“Likewise, we have given a bit more to Muslims as they, too, are also left behind,” Parameshwara added.

Taking a dig at the state Minister, BJP leader CT Ravi said in a post on X on Sunday that this was the “secular model of communal Congress.”

BJP leader CT Ravi takes a dig at Karnataka Home Minister’s remarks on fund allocation (twitter.com/CTRavi_BJP)

On his part, BJP leader Basanagouda R Patil (Yatnal) questioned the state Home Minister, saying “Are the slogans of tolerance of all religions, garden of peace of all races limited to your speech?”

Also in a post on X, he noted that “it is the government’s responsibility to distribute taxpayers’ money equitably.”

BJP leader slams Karnataka Minister’s remarks on funds allocation (twitter.com/BasanagoudaBJP)

“More for Muslims, less for Hindus. Why this kind of discrimination? By speaking according to the context, see if you are acting as Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar had wished,” the BJP leader added.

This latest development came two days after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had presented the state budget in which funds were allocated for fee reimbursement of minority students, as well as Rs 100 crore for Waqf properties.

While presenting the budget on Friday, the Chief Minister attacked the BJP-led Centre, alleging that Karnataka faced massive loss due to not getting the right share of funds from the Union government.

The Opposition staged a walk-out following his remarks.