Daijiworld Media Network

Hubballi, March 9: Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution, and Consumer Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, has accused the Congress-led Karnataka government, headed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, of increasing the volume of loans for Muslims as part of a policy of appeasement politics.

Speaking to the media in Hubballi on Saturday, Joshi claimed that although Karnataka’s GDP has exceeded 23%, every individual in the state is now burdened with a debt of Rs 1 lac. He criticised the budget for neglecting regions such as Kittur Karnataka and Hyderabad Karnataka (Kalyana Karnataka), labelling it as a grave injustice to those areas.

“The Congress government has crafted a budget solely for Muslim appeasement and vote bank politics,” Joshi stated, adding that the government’s focus on one community at the expense of others is a divisive tactic. He drew a stark contrast with the central government’s commitment to the slogan “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (Together with all, Development for all), claiming that the Karnataka government was only concerned with "Muslim Vikas".

Joshi further argued that the state government, while claiming to uphold social equality, is favouring one community over others, citing the ideals of prominent figures such as Buddha, Basavanna, Ambedkar, and Savitribai Phule. He accused the Congress of following a "divide and rule" policy, despite the government’s claims to promote social justice.

One of Joshi's main criticisms was the Karnataka government's decision to reserve contracts worth up to Rs 2 crore exclusively for Muslims. He questioned why contractors from other communities were being excluded from these opportunities. “Why should there be exclusive contracts for Muslims? What about others? Is this fair?” Joshi asked.

He also took issue with the state’s decision to allocate 20% of resources from the Karnataka Industrial Development Board (KIDB) and the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) to Muslims, pointing out that land resources in the state were already scarce. “Allocating such a large share to one community is unjust and only fosters inequality,” he said.

Joshi also criticised the increase in the honourarium for maulvis to Rs 6,000, allegedly funded through temple revenues. He described it as a form of political appeasement.

Further fuelling his criticism, Joshi pointed out the Rs 50,000 financial grant included in the budget for Muslim weddings. “Why is the government providing financial assistance only for Muslim weddings? Shouldn’t the same support be extended to other communities?” he asked, before rhetorically adding, “Is Karnataka turning into Pakistan?”

Joshi also highlighted the disparity in the development of religious facilities. While many areas in Karnataka lack cremation grounds for Hindus, the government has allocated Rs 150 crore for the development of Muslim graveyards. “This is highly unfair. Why is the government focusing on graveyards for one community while ignoring basic needs for others?” Joshi stated.

The government’s allocation of Rs 50 lac for cultural programmes for religious minorities also came under scrutiny from the Union Minister. Joshi questioned the nature of the culture being promoted, asking, “What kind of culture is being supported with these funds?”

In addition, the government has announced financial assistance ranging from Rs 30 lac to Rs 50 lacfor minority students studying abroad. Joshi raised concerns over why students from other communities were being excluded from such financial aid. He also criticised the Rs 150 crore allocated for minority hostels and additional funds for madrasa development, questioning whether the government was properly overseeing what happens within madrasas.

While Joshi expressed support for providing education and basic facilities to minorities and backward communities, he argued that measures such as reservations, contract quotas, and wedding allowances keep these communities economically dependent. Instead, he advocated for skill development and value-based education to empower them and foster long-term growth.

“The real way to help these communities is not by creating divisions and keeping them dependent. We need to provide them with the tools to become self-sufficient and contribute to the progress of society as a whole,” Joshi concluded.