Karnataka: Cabinet Ranks Surge, SC/ST Corporations Face Major Fund Cuts

• Karnataka government increases cabinet-rank appointments for political leaders while cutting funds for SC/ST development corporations.
• Exclusive documents reveal at least seven key corporations for marginalized communities have seen slashed or stagnated funding since the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government took office.
• Dr BR Ambedkar Development Corporation's allocation dropped from Rs 218.50 crore (BJP, 2022-23) to Rs 107 crore (Congress, 2023-24), with only Rs 89.73 crore released for 2025-26.
• Congress MLA HC Balakrishna defends the disparity as a necessary adjustment for flagship guarantee schemes, claiming overall SC/ST allocation remains the same.
• Opposition BJP criticizes the move as misuse of taxpayer money for political gratification, alleging funds meant for SC/ST development are diverted.