KMDC files complaint against Hindi news anchor Sudhir for spreading 'malicious' misinformation

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation (KMDC) has filed a case at Sheshadripuram Police Station here against a Hindi news anchor Sudhir Chaudhary for allegedly spreading 'false news' against the schemes of the corporation.

He allegedly attempted to communalise a vehicle subsidy scheme initiated for minorities. The complaint was lodged by KMDC Assistant Administrator Shivakumar.

During a programme on an ad placed by Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation (KMDC), Sudhir Chaudhary was heard saying, "This scheme is not for Hindus. The Karnataka government is not giving subsidy to Hindus even if they are poor and have no money. ''

The government has threatened to take action against the Aaj Tak anchor, accusing him of "deliberate and malicious" misinformation.

But Muslim, Sikh, and Buddhists can avail subsidy under the scheme for buying vehicles," Sudhir had said.

The anchor, for unknown reasons, failed to mention that the same scheme can also be availed by SC/ST community members under the Airavatha Scheme of the Dr Ambedkar Development Corporation Limited under the state government.

The scheme in question actually promises a 50 per cent subsidy to people from religious minorities with a household income of less than Rs 4.5 lakh to purchase commercial vehicles.

Karnataka has five communities that are classified as religious minorities — Muslims, Christians, Jains, Buddhist, Sikhs, and Parsis. Following Sudhir's news, Karnataka minister for IT/BT and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Priyank Kharge took to his official X (previously Twitter) account to warn the news anchor of legal action.

“The anchor of @aajtak is deliberately spreading misinformation on government schemes which was first started by BJP MPs & is being amplified by sections of media. This is deliberate & malicious, Govt will be taking necessary legal action,” Priyank said in his post on Tuesday.

The scheme predates the Congress government according to Manoj Jain, Secretary to the Karnataka Minority Welfare Department, said "The scheme was earlier for Rs. 2.5 lakh and it is now increased to Rs. 3 lakh under the Swavalambi Sarathi scheme."