CM Siddaramaiah slams BJP for ‘false narrative’ on Urdu, Kannada funding
Bengaluru, May 27 (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday accused the BJP of spreading a "false narrative" that his government is neglecting Kannada and allocating more funds for Urdu, calling it not only untrue but a "deliberate attempt" to create communal tension.
His remarks came after the BJP Karnataka posted on 'X' that the Siddaramaiah-led government had allocated Rs 100 crore for the promotion of Urdu in 2025–26, while sanctioning just Rs 32 crore for Kannada.
"The BJP in Karnataka is spreading a false narrative that our government is neglecting Kannada and favouring Urdu. This is not just far from the truth—it is a deliberate attempt to create communal tension. It is unfortunate that a national party is behaving like irresponsible internet trolls, spreading such baseless lies," Siddaramaiah said in a statement.
Listing details of the 2025-26 allocations, the Chief Minister said Rs 34,438 crore had been allocated to the Department of Primary and Secondary Education, and Rs 4,150 crore to schools under the Social Welfare and other departments.
“That’s a total of Rs 38,688 crore—all meant for Kannada-medium education. In addition, Rs 999.30 crore has been set aside to maintain government schools and improve infrastructure. All of this supports Kannada education. So, when the BJP claims only Rs 32 crore was allotted for Kannada, it is a political lie meant to mislead the people," he added.
Siddaramaiah clarified that the Rs 100 crore allotted under the Minority Welfare Department is intended for upgrading Urdu-medium schools with better classrooms, teachers, textbooks, and infrastructure.
“This allocation is not just for promoting the language, but for the overall improvement of schools that serve a large number of students,” he said, adding that linking a language to a particular caste or religion is disrespectful.
“Our government respects all languages spoken in Karnataka. That’s why we have separate academies for Tulu, Konkani, Kodava, Byari, and Arebhashe — each receiving ₹80 lakh annually, along with additional funding for cultural activities,” he said.
For Kannada, Siddaramaiah pointed out, the state has a dedicated Department of Kannada and Culture, which oversees 14 academies, three authorities, and 24 trusts named after Kannada writers—all working to promote the Kannada language, literature, and heritage.
"For us, Kannada is not just a language—it is our identity, our pride, and our mother tongue. Our government has always stood firmly for Kannada, for Karnataka, and for our people. We will never compromise on protecting our land, water, or language. And we will never tolerate disrespect towards our culture," he said.
Siddaramaiah demanded that the BJP immediately issue a public clarification and apologise to the people of the state for its "divisive propaganda" and "attempt to mislead".
Claiming that only Rs 32 crore was given for Kannada is not just a lie—it is a betrayal of Karnataka. We demand that the BJP issue a public clarification and apologise to the people of the state for this dangerous and divisive propaganda, Siddaramaiah added.
.@BJP4Karnataka is spreading a malicious lie that our Govt gave more funds to Urdu while neglecting Kannada.
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 27, 2025
This is not just false -- it's a deliberate attempt to incite communal hatred.
A national party behaving like internet trolls is deeply shameful. pic.twitter.com/eYSA3lGLbl
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Oppn, X users flag concerns over US envoy Sergio Gor’s visit to Army’s western command
New Delhi: A visit by the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, to Chandigarh on Monday has triggered sharp criticism from opposition leaders and social media users, raising questions about national security and foreign policy.
On X, Ambassador Gor announced his visit, writing, “Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army.”
Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) February 16, 2026
Soon after, opposition voices questioned the broader implications of the visit. Congress Kerala, in a post, commented, “Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings. Didn't they say then ‘Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?’ Compared to that, this is very small.”
Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings.
— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) February 16, 2026
Didn't they say then "Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?"
Compared to that, this is very small. pic.twitter.com/gNNuAGQBPC
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also weighed in, writing, “Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that.”
She further added, “India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to know from their own government. US Ambassador is doing the job for his nation, who is doing for us? The answer is blowing in the wind.”
Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that. India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to… pic.twitter.com/rYMq5NhJHA
— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) February 16, 2026
The visit comes against the backdrop of the growing US-India defence partnership.
Writer and political analyst @rajuparulekar commented on ‘X’, “East India Company is back!”
“Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in india?” asked another user.
Several X users expressed concerns over the appropriateness of the visit.
One asked, “Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in India?” Another wrote, “Why an ambassador visiting our army places? To talk to Chandigarh lobby for F-35?”
Why an ambassador visiting our army places ? To talk to chandigarh lobby for f-35 ??
— Rohan Sagar (@RohanSagar03) February 16, 2026
“We have completely sold Indian sovereignty. Rothschild the evil Bankers will now control NSE. Modi sold Bharat Mata to Trump . And now American imperialist is visiting our army command . Scary,” wrote another user.
“The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?,” opined another.
The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?
— Aditya Pratap Singh (@Adi_IIMCIAN) February 16, 2026
On Sunday, Gor welcomed Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), highlighting efforts to expand the growing US-India defence partnership.
In a post on X, Gor wrote, “Delighted to have @INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo in India to expand the U.S.-India defense partnership. Now is the time to strengthen vital cooperation between our two nations.”
On Monday, Admiral Samuel J. Paparo Jr visited the headquarters of India’s Western Army Command along with the American envoy Sergio Gor. The delegation was briefed on the formation’s capabilities, its past operations, and future plans.
The American delegation also visited Bengaluru, where they met three start-ups, two in the space sector and one in defence, and participated in an Indo-US conference.
