Karnataka Govt's financial assistance scheme for minority community's vehicle purchase  stirs controversy

The Karnataka government’s initiative to offer a financial assistance package of Rs 3 lakh to members of the minority community for the purchase of taxis or goods vehicles has ignited a political controversy. Union Minister for State for Entrepreneurship, Skill Development, Electronics, and Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, criticized the Congress-led government in Karnataka, alleging what he termed as “shameless, lazy, appeasement politics” by the Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party.

Chandrasekhar raised concerns over the scheme’s implementation, specifically highlighting the potential for misuse. He asserted, “Under this scheme, an individual could acquire a vehicle valued at Rs 6 lakh with a 50 percent subsidy, only to potentially sell it the very next day for Rs 5 lakh, thereby reaping a cool profit of Rs 2 lakh.” He further emphasized that this scheme exclusively targets non-Hindu communities, excluding economically disadvantaged Hindu groups from its benefits.

“Shameless bribing of a community by using public resources meant for all Kannadigas. Brazen discrimination and violation of Article 14 of Constitution from a party that goes abroad and talks of Bharat’s Constitution being under threat.

“State sponsored Conversion inducement. This is the appeasement and corrupt politics of dynasts UPA and I.N.D.I.A alliance,” Chandrasekhar said.

Responding to Chandrasekhar, 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 the minorities make you look like a fool. Correct your stupid tweet.”

Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya objecting to the scheme stated that Congress to fund its freebies, is increasing guidance value by 30 per cent, has doubled electricity charges, hiked excise duty, milk prices, road tax and also plans to extract 5 per cent cess.

“Now Karnataka’s middle class will fund a ‘religion targeted scheme’, specifically designed for minorities, that gives Rs 3 lakh as subsidy to buy vehicles. Congress goes to any extent to appease its core voter base even if it means to undermine hardworking tax paying middle class families,” he stated.

The Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation Limited Scheme poster stated that under the scheme, a subsidy of 50 per cent on vehicle value or up to a maximum of Rs 3 lac will be given to each beneficiary to buy auto rickshaw, taxi, goods vehicles. The last date for the application is mentioned as September 25.

 

(With inputs from IANS)