The Congress-led government in Karnataka, under the leadership of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has made a significant announcement regarding a subsidy of Rs 3 lakhs for members of the minority community when they purchase a four-wheeler vehicle of their choice. The scheme intends to facilitate this subsidy, while the government will also assist in securing loans from various banks to cover the remaining vehicle cost.
However, there are specific eligibility criteria attached to this scheme. To qualify, an applicant must belong to a religious minority community, be a permanent resident of Karnataka, and have an annual income not exceeding Rs 4,50,000 per annum.
Karnataka's Minorities Welfare and Wakf Minister, Zameer Ahmed Khan, explained, “We believe that a driver should not merely remain a driver but should also have the opportunity to become a vehicle owner. Under this program, eligible individuals can purchase a four-wheeler of their choice worth up to Rs 8 lakhs, and the government will provide a subsidy of Rs 3 lakhs."
He further elaborated, "We will also assist them in securing bank loans. The beneficiary will need to make a pre-payment of 10% of the car's value, for example, if the car costs Rs 8 lakhs, an initial payment of Rs 80,000 is required. The government will then provide a subsidy of Rs 3 lakhs, and the remaining amount can be covered through a bank loan."
Zameer Ahmed Khan also noted that this scheme was previously in place during the Siddaramaiah regime but was discontinued by the BJP.
The BJP has criticized the Congress government's move, labeling it as appeasement politics and a scheme targeted towards a particular religion.
Ashok MM, a spokesperson for the BJP, commented, "At a time when debates about freebies are intensifying, this is perceived as yet another freebie scheme and appears to be stoking political tensions."
Tejasvi Surya, a BJP leader, expressed his thoughts on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating, "Congress, to finance its giveaways, 1. Has increased guidance value by 30%, 2. Doubled electricity charges, 3. Raised excise duty, milk prices, road tax & also plans to impose a 5% cess. Now, Karnataka's middle class will be funding a 'religion-targeted scheme,' specifically designed for minorities, providing a Rs 3 lakh subsidy to purchase vehicles. Congress will go to great lengths to appease its core voter base, even if it means undermining hardworking, tax-paying, middle-class families."
CT Ravi, another BJP member, criticized the Congress government as well, stating, "If shamelessness had a name, it would undoubtedly be called Congress! The Tippu Sultan government in Karnataka continues its Appeasement Politics by showering largesse on its core voter base. This is a significant insult to the majority who voted for the Communal Congress by falling for its LIES and GUARANTEES."
