Overview
- The state cabinet approved a ₹600 crore, two-year plan to upgrade colonies with large minority populations, targeting slums and other backward areas under the Minorities Welfare, Hajj and Waqf Department.
- Congress leaders say the allocation sits within a ₹4,879 crore minorities budget and describe it as a routine budgeted outlay rather than a special package tied to electoral politics.
- BJP leaders escalated their criticism, with B. Y. Vijayendra calling the decision an insult to Hindus and R. Ashoka claiming the government is neglecting civic polls and worker pay while pursuing vote-bank politics.
- BJP MP Tejasvi Surya said he will challenge the plan in court, arguing that labeling areas as “minority colonies” assigns religion to neighborhoods and violates equality guarantees under Articles 14 and 15.
- The cabinet in the same sitting backed transport plans by supporting the 607-km Hyderabad–Bengaluru high-speed rail corridor and giving in-principle approval to a ₹18,133 crore Greater Bengaluru suburban project centered on Bidadi.