Karnataka spends ₹54 lakh monthly on CM"s social media efforts

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's office has been spending approximately Rs 54 lakh monthly on social media management, as revealed by an RTI request filed by activist Marlinga Gowda Mali Patil. This expenditure has raised concerns, especially given the state's financial struggles and stalled development projects. The Chief Minister's Office clarified that this amount is significantly lower than the over Rs 2 crore monthly spent by previous administrations on similar activities. The funds are allocated to The Policy Front, a company managing Siddaramaiah's social media presence with a team of around 35 individuals. The financial scrutiny comes at a time when the Congress government is facing criticism for its inability to pay contractors for various projects. The expenditure on social media has sparked debate about priorities in governance, particularly when essential services and development initiatives are reportedly underfunded. The Chief Minister's office has defended the spending, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a robust social media presence in today's political landscape. In parallel, a political controversy has emerged regarding Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot's decision to allow the prosecution of Siddaramaiah in a corruption case linked to land allotment to his wife. This has led to protests organized by Congress ministers and legislators, who accuse the Governor of bias and selective action. The protests culminated in a march to Raj Bhavan, where Congress members demanded accountability and justice. The situation highlights the ongoing tensions between the state government and the Governor's office, as well as the challenges faced by the Congress party in navigating both financial scrutiny and political controversies. The outcome of these events could have significant implications for the state's governance and political dynamics moving forward.