The Karnataka BJP on Friday strongly criticised the Congress-led state government, calling the newly presented Budget a “halal budget” and alleging that it prioritises appeasement politics.

“Karnataka presents a Halal Budget—appeasement at its peak!”, BJP posted on X. The party highlighted provisions specifically benefiting the Muslim community and questioned the lack of similar allocations for Scheduled Castes (SCs) Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

The BJP accused the Congress government of sidelining other communities while focusing only on minority welfare.

BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari launched a sharp attack on the Congress-led Karnataka government over the state Budget presented today. Escalating his criticism, Bhandari termed the Budget a “modern Muslim League” Budget, alleging that the Karnataka government is operating in a manner “similar to how Muhammad Ali Jinnah governed Pakistan”.

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Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, while presenting the state budget for 2025-26, announced a 4% reservation for Muslims in government tenders and contracts. The move, he stated, aims to promote economic inclusion and ensure equitable business opportunities for minorities.

The total expenditure for the 2025-26 budget is estimated to be Rs 4,09,549 crore. It includes revenue expenditure of Rs 3,11,739 crore, capital expenditure of Rs 71,336 crore and loan repayment of Rs 26,474 crore.

BJP state president BY Vijayendra strongly opposed the move, urging the government to withdraw it immediately. “The budget has emphasised on wooing the Muslim community in the name of minorities. It has not made any contribution towards the comprehensive development of the education sector. There is no encouragement for industries that have the potential to create jobs,” he posted on X.