Controversy Erupts Over Karnataka’s Ad Spend Favoring National Herald

The allocation of public advertisement funds in Karnataka has ignited a political firestorm following revelations that the Congress-affiliated newspaper, National Herald, received a substantial portion of the state’s ad spending. According to documents obtained by CNN-NEWS18, National Herald emerged as the largest beneficiary of Karnataka’s advertisement budget for the financial years 2023-24 and 2024-25. This has raised questions regarding the government’s spending priorities, particularly as the newspaper reportedly has minimal readership and circulation both within the state and nationally.

In the financial year 2023-24, the Karnataka government allocated Rs 1.90 crore to National Herald. This amount decreased slightly to Rs 99 lakh in 2024-25. Intriguingly, this allocation accounted for a staggering 69 percent of Karnataka’s total spending on national newspapers, which amounted to Rs 1.42 crore in 2024-25. Critics of the government argue that this preference is unjustified, particularly given that more widely circulated publications received significantly less, and some did not receive any funding at all.

Political Backlash and Accusations of Misuse

The revelations have prompted sharp criticism from the opposition, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Senior BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Dr CN Ashwath Narayan condemned the allocations, labeling them as an “open loot of taxpayers’ money.” He questioned the rationale behind advertising in a newspaper with negligible circulation and highlighted that National Herald is currently under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate.

“Why should public money be given to a newspaper that has no circulation in Karnataka or anywhere else?” Narayan asked. The BJP has called for accountability from the Siddaramaiah-led government, demanding clarification on the criteria used for advertising fund allocations.

Congress Defends the Funding Choices

In response, Congress leaders have rallied to defend the government’s decision. Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Eshwar Khandre dismissed the criticism, accusing the BJP of politicizing the matter. He argued that questioning the allocation of funds to National Herald was “anti-national,” a statement that has stirred further controversy. Opposition leaders have seized on this remark, accusing the Congress of attempting to stifle legitimate inquiry by labeling it unpatriotic.

Adding to the party’s defense, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera referred to National Herald as a “national heritage” and emphasized the responsibility of the country to support such historical institutions. “National Herald is a national heritage since Independence. What problem does the media have if funds are given to the media itself?” Khera stated during an interview with CNN-NEWS18.

As the political discourse continues to heat up, the controversy surrounding Karnataka’s advertisement spending highlights broader concerns about the allocation of public funds and the relationship between government and media. The ongoing debate raises crucial questions about transparency, accountability, and the potential implications of using taxpayer money to support politically aligned publications.