Karnataka to Redirect ₹11,896 Crore SC/ST Funds for Guarantee Schemes, BJP Criticizes Move

The Karnataka government plans to divert ₹11,896.84 crore from SC/ST welfare funds (SCSP/TSP) to implement five major guarantee schemes in 2025–26. Of the ₹42,017 crore allocated, funds will go to Anna Bhagya, Yuva Nidhi, Shakti, Gruha Jyoti, and Gruha Lakshmi schemes. Similar reallocations occurred in the past two years. The BJP has strongly criticized the move, calling it a betrayal of Dalits and an attack on social justice. Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra accused the Congress government of misusing funds for political gain and warned of protests if the decision isn’t reversed. A review meeting is scheduled for August 5.