Hyderabad: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has endorsed the concerns raised by civil society activists regarding the alleged misuse of Minority Welfare Funds by the Telangana government. The Bharatiya Janata Party strongly opposed the allocation of these funds for hosting an Iftar party ahead of Ramzan.
Addressing the media, BJP’s Chief Spokesperson, N.V. Subash, urged the Congress-led government under Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to heed the voices of civil society members also and ensure that welfare funds are used for their intended purpose. The activists opposing the move include former High Court judge Justice Chandrakumar, social and environmental activist Dr. Lubna Sarwath, Congress party member Saleem Alhindi, Movement for Peace and Justice General Secretary Syed Rafi and eminent people from different walks of life.
Subash reiterated the BJP’s stance against the misuse of welfare funds, pointing out that the alleged allocation of Rs 70 crore for an Iftar event is unjustifiable, especially given the state’s fragile financial condition. “If Telangana’s economy were strong, there are many developmental projects can be implemented. However, when the Chief Minister himself has acknowledged the state’s precarious financial position, such expenditures are irresponsible,” he stated.
Expressing further concern, Subash criticized the Greater Hyderabad Minority Congress Chairman, Harshad Shaik, for justifying the expenditure by claiming that the Rs 70 crore allocation has been a decade-long practice. “This rationale is absurd. Just because it was done in the past doesn’t mean it should continue, especially when the state’s financial health is in question,” he added.
The BJP reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all welfare funds, including those designated for minorities, are utilized transparently and for the benefit of the intended communities. The party called upon the state government to exercise financial prudence and prioritize essential welfare initiatives over extravagant spending.
