Karnataka BJP, Congress spar over minority subsidy

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Sept 10, 2023: The Karnataka government’s scheme to provide financial assistance of Rs 3 lakh to members of minority communities for purchasing taxis or goods vehicles has led to a slugfest between BJP and Congress.

Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar slammed the Congress government, saying: "Here comes another example of shameless, lazy, appeasement politics by Rahul’s Congress in Karnataka. Buy a vehicle for Rs 6 lakh, using a 50 per cent subsidy, and sell it the next day for Rs 5 lakh. Cool profit of Rs 2 lakh. Only available for non-Hindus and does not include poor, deprived Hindu communities. Shameless bribing of a community by using public resources meant for all Kannadigas.

"Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya said now Karnataka’s middle-class will fund a "religion-targeted scheme", designed for minorities.

Responding to Chandrasekhar’s tweet, state health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said: "You are forgetting that this scheme was there even during your (BJP) government. Don’t let your blind hatred for minorities make you look like a fool. Correct your stupid tweet."The scheme, providing subsidy of 50% on vehicle value, or up to a maximum of Rs 3 lakh, was launched by Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation some years ago. It will be given to beneficiaries to buy autos, taxis and goods vehicles.