Bengaluru, Jan. 9 -- Rs. 2.9 crore paid despite negligible readership, popularity, circulation

The 'National Herald' newspaper received more advertisement funding from the Congress-led Karnataka Government than any other national daily, raising questions over the use of public funds.

According to records, the State Government paid crores of rupees to 'National Herald' from its advertisement budget, despite claims of negligible readership, popularity and no circulation in Karnataka. It emerged as single largest beneficiary of Government's national newspaper advertisement spending for two consecutive years.

Figures indicate that Rs. 1.90 crore was allotted to 'National Herald' in 2023-24, followed by nearly Rs. 1 crore in 2024-25.

In co...