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Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has approved the release of Rs 50 crore in development grants for all the 224 Assembly constituencies, following weeks of pressure from party legislators over fund shortages for local works. The decision, announced on Friday, July 18, comes after several Congress MLAs raised the issue directly with All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary and state in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala during recent one-on-one meetings in Bengaluru.
According to a note signed by the Chief Minister, the funds will be disbursed under the Chief Minister’s Infrastructure Development Programme as part of the 2025-26 state budget, which earmarked Rs 8,000 crore for infrastructure works across the state. Each MLA will receive Rs 50 crore, of which Rs 37.5 crore must be spent on roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects implemented by the Public Works Department (PWD). The remaining Rs 12.5 crore (25%) is earmarked for discretionary spending by the MLAs.
Siddaramaiah has also scheduled district-wise meetings with legislators on July 30 and 31 at the state secretariat to address development concerns and gain the confidence of MLAs, particularly from within the Congress party. The decision to release the funds was aimed at easing internal discontent before the legislature session next month, where MLAs were expected to express frustration over fund shortages publicly.
The release of grants is expected to be processed in the first week of August. However, the decision has sparked criticism from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has alleged bias in the allocation. Leader of the Opposition R Ashok accused the government of discriminating against the BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) [JD(S)] constituencies by allotting Rs 50 crore to Congress MLAs while limiting funds to Rs 25 crore for opposition-held seats. "While accusing the Union of bias, the Congress government is itself showing double standards by not treating all constituencies equally. Development funds should be allocated fairly," Ashok said.
However, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that Rs 50 crore was for all constituencies, and they had just started disbursing the amounts.
Independent MLA Darshan Puttannaiah, who supports the Congress-led government, also weighed in, stating that the funds being released are insufficient to meet the demands of rural constituencies. Speaking to reporters on July 17, Puttannaiah said, “You know the financial situation and why we are not getting funds. They have given money now, but we need more funds. This is not adequate. Many villages don't have roads and drains. There are 236 villages, and we need Rs 5-10 crore for each. It is going for that (guarantees) as well. We have to give it to that (guarantees) and give funds. Both can't be done together.”
Last month, Congress MLA from Kagwad, Raju Kage, had threatened to resign over what he called a complete administrative failure in executing development works in his constituency. Kage expressed anger that no work orders had been issued even two years after the Chief Minister approved a special grant of Rs 25 crore. "I am so disheartened that I am even considering resigning. Don’t be surprised if I go and submit my resignation to the Chief Minister in the next two days," he said.
