Karnataka Budget 2025-26: “BJP’s Anti-Muslim Rhetoric Falls Flat, The Inclusive Budget Gains Support”
Opposition in Turmoil Post-Budget Presentation
Following the presentation of the Karnataka State Budget 2025-26, the opposition parties—BJP and JD(S)—find themselves in disarray, akin to fish out of water. With no clear path to reclaim power, the BJP seems desperate, resorting to underhanded tactics to regain control. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is being likened to Maharashtra’s Eknath Shinde, with political circles speculating about potential defections.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, in his 16th budget, has left the BJP rattled. Beyond the five guarantee schemes, his budget includes a slew of welfare programs, making it difficult for the BJP to find substantial grounds for criticism. Frustrated, BJP leaders have resorted to labeling it the “Halal Budget,” “Sabir Budget,” “Pakistani Budget,” and even “Talibani Budget,” showcasing their communal bias.
Inclusive Welfare Measures for All Communities
Despite the opposition’s rhetoric, Siddaramaiah’s budget provides benefits across all communities. It includes a ₹1,000 salary hike for Anganwadi workers and mid-day meal staff, a ₹2,000 honorarium increase for guest lecturers, and significant allocations for the education sector, including the establishment of 500 new Karnataka Public Schools. The budget also earmarks ₹42,000 crore for Scheduled Castes and Tribes, ₹7,500 crore for backward classes, and ₹4,500 crore for minority communities.
What then, one must ask, makes this a “Sabir Budget”? Isn’t it the media’s responsibility to report the truth instead of parroting the BJP’s baseless allegations? Should minority communities be denied welfare benefits? Are they not equal citizens of this country?
BJP’s Failed Communal Strategies
From 2019 to 2023, the BJP ruled Karnataka but was decisively ousted by the electorate. Their divisive strategies—including propaganda against halal meat, banning Muslim vendors at temple fairs, pushing the Love Jihad narrative, and the hijab controversy—failed to resonate with the public. Their slogans branding Muslims as anti-national, urban Naxals, and Hindu-oppressors have lost relevance, exposing their communal agenda.
Even during the recent Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and other senior BJP leaders campaigned on Hindu-Muslim divisions rather than developmental issues. The electorate responded by voting them out in several constituencies, proving that communal politics has its limits.
Misrepresentation of Muslim Reservations
The BJP continually argues that Muslim reservations are unconstitutional. Yet, they fail to cite a single constitutional provision that prohibits reservations based on social and educational backwardness. The Indian Constitution, under Articles 15 and 16, allows reservations for socially and educationally backward groups—criteria that apply to many Muslim communities.
The Sachar Committee and Ranganath Misra Commission reports have extensively documented the economic and educational backwardness of Muslims. Several states, including Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh (both BJP-ruled), have included Muslim sub-groups under the OBC category, yet Karnataka’s similar initiative is met with fierce opposition from the BJP.
False Claims on Mosque Funding
BJP leaders often propagate the falsehood that government funds meant for temples are diverted to mosques. The reality is that Karnataka’s Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Department manages temple revenue, which is reinvested in temple development. Not a single rupee from temple funds is allocated to mosques.
Furthermore, mosques in Karnataka are built and maintained by the Muslim community without government aid. The Wakf Board only provides funding for basic infrastructure in existing mosques, not for new constructions. Despite knowing this, BJP leaders continue to spread misinformation to polarize society.
A Call for Rational Politics
It is high time Indian politics moved beyond communal propaganda and focused on governance and development. The Karnataka budget is a step towards inclusive growth, yet the BJP remains fixated on its divisive narratives. If they truly believe Muslim reservations are unconstitutional, they should present legal proof rather than resorting to baseless rhetoric.
The people of Karnataka have seen through these tactics. They rejected the BJP’s communal politics in the last state elections and will likely do so again if the party continues down this path. It is imperative that citizens demand accountability, facts, and rational discourse from their leaders rather than falling prey to fear-mongering and misinformation.
Author: Dr. Razak Ustad, Raichur
💬 Quotes:
🔹 CM Siddaramaiah: “This budget is for every citizen of Karnataka. False propaganda cannot hide the truth.”
🔹 Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar: “BJP is rattled because we have delivered beyond expectations. They are looking for ways to distract the public.”
🔹 Opposition BJP Leader: “This is a biased budget, favoring only one community. The Congress is playing appeasement politics.”
🔹 Political Analyst: “Labeling a budget as ‘Halal’ or ‘Talibani’ shows a deep frustration within the BJP. This rhetoric is meant to create communal divisions.”
🔹 Constitutional Expert: “There is no clause in the Constitution that denies reservations to Muslims. BJP’s claims are misleading.”
🔹 Social Activist: “Karnataka’s budget is a progressive step towards social justice. Criticizing it without facts is purely political.”
❓Q & A
❓ Q: Why is BJP opposing the Karnataka Budget?
💬 A: Because it highlights their failure in governance. Instead of addressing policy gaps, they resort to communal rhetoric.
❓ Q: Is the budget truly biased towards Muslims?
💬 A: No. Every community benefits, including SCs, STs, OBCs, and economically weaker sections. The claims of bias are politically motivated.
❓ Q: What does the Constitution say about Muslim reservations?
💬 A: Articles 15 and 16 allow reservations based on social and educational backwardness, not religion. Many states, including BJP-ruled ones, have OBC reservations for Muslims.
❓ Q: Is BJP’s ‘Halal Budget’ remark justified?
💬 A: No. It’s an attempt to communalize an economic document. The budget benefits all, and such statements are baseless distractions.
