The Karnataka cabinet has cleared a ₹600 crore action plan for the development of minority colonies in the state, sparking allegations of 'appeasement' from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The state cabinet announced support for high-speed rail corridors, an ₹18,133-crore suburban project around Bengaluru, and a scheme to implement development projects in colonies dominated by the minority community.
BJP leader R Ashok accused the ruling Congress of indulging in 'oily minority politics' and pointed to gaps in governance, including a lack of funds for GBA elections, salaries for Anganwadi and ASHA workers, and pay for library staff, NREGA employees, and lecturers.
The announcement came as the ruling Congress deals with internal tensions linked to the Davanagere South bypoll, with K Abdul Jabbar resigning as head of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee's Minority Department.
Minister HK Patil dismissed opposition suggestions that the timing was linked to the Davanagere South by-election, saying the proposal had been in progress for some time.
