Karnataka Budget 2025: BJP Criticizes Minority Welfare Funds, Muslims Reservations, as State Caps Movie Ticket Prices and Promises Climate Action

The Karnataka government's 2025 budget has been criticized by the BJP for its allocations for minority welfare, with the party accusing the Congress of appeasing Muslims. The budget includes Rs 1,000 crore for minority development, Rs 150 crore for Waqf property protection, and 4% contract reservations for Muslims under Category-II B. BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya accused the Congress of prioritizing Muslims in resource allocation, citing former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh's statement that minorities must have the "first claim on resources."

In a separate move, the Karnataka government has capped movie ticket prices at ₹200 across all theaters, including multiplexes, to enhance affordability. The decision follows recent remarks by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who expressed disappointment over the lack of participation from the film fraternity in the Bangalore International Film Festival. The new rule will be implemented soon across the state, making cinema more affordable for audiences.

The Karnataka budget also promises climate action, with the state government acknowledging the challenges and threats posed by climate change. However, the budget lacks funding for environmental initiatives, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah turning to the private sector to fund mitigation and adaptation efforts. The Karnataka Forest, Wildlife and Climate Change Mitigation Foundation will be constituted in collaboration with "environmentally conscious corporate bodies" and social reformers, facilitating environmental development through CSR contributions and donations. The budget also includes allocations for afforestation, carbon credit policy, and timber transport reforms, but concerns remain over the lack of funding and reliance on the private sector.