<h1>2025-26 Budget: Welfare Schemes for Minorities, Including Marriage Aid and School Upgrades, Criticized by BJP</h1> Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced several welfare schemes for minorities in the 2025-26 budget, including Rs 50,000 for simple marriages and Rs 1,000 crore for the Minority Colony Development Programme. The budget also allocates Rs 500 crore for expanding classes in Moulana Azad Model English Medium Schools and Rs 400 crore for upgrading Urdu medium schools. Additional funds are designated for start-up support, Waqf property renovations, and career guidance in minority hostels. Self-defense training for girls and increased honorariums for religious leaders are also included. The BJP criticized these measures as appeasement.