Reports indicate the Karnataka government allocated a significant portion of its national newspaper advertising budget to the National Herald, a publication linked to the Congress party. For the fiscal years 2023-24 and 2024-25, the National Herald reportedly received substantial funds, with nearly 69% of the 2024-25 national newspaper ad spend going to it. Critics, including the BJP, allege misuse of public funds and political patronage, citing the newspaper's low readership. Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister defended the allocations, stating the government can advertise with any media outlet.