SDPI Protests Karnataka Budget; Calls It Anti-Minority and a Blow to Social Justice
Davanagere, March 8: The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) Davanagere District Committee staged a protest at Akhtar Raza Circle condemning the Karnataka State Budget 2026–27, alleging that it neglects minorities, Dalits, and the education and health sectors.
Addressing the protest, SDPI Karnataka State General Secretary Apsar Kodlipete criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s budget, stating that despite minorities forming about 17% of the state’s population, only ₹4,801.27 crore (around 1.07% of the total ₹4,48,004 crore budget) has been allocated for minority development.
He alleged that several key welfare schemes for minorities have faced major cuts. The scholarship and fee reimbursement scheme for minority students, which had ₹338 crore allocated last year, has reportedly been reduced to zero. Similarly, allocations under the Chief Minister’s Special Development Programme were reduced from ₹724.26 crore to ₹325 crore, while funds for minority slum/colony development in urban areas were cut from ₹400 crore to ₹325 crore. The Post-Matric Hostel scheme allocation was also reduced from ₹50 crore to ₹25 crore.
Kodlipete further claimed that the budget also reduces proportional allocations for Dalit welfare, while allocating only 10.54% to education and 3.98% to health, which he said are below national averages.
He demanded that the government reconsider the cuts, restore scholarship schemes for minority students, and allocate adequate funds through a supplementary budget.
The protest was attended by SDPI district president A.R. Tahir, state committee member Faiyaz Davanagere, district vice president Razvi Riyaz Ahmed, district general secretary Ghouse Peer, along with party leaders, workers, and supporters.
