H.D. Kumaraswamy Criticizes K'taka Government for Milk and Power Price Increases Before Ugadi
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Synopsis
Union Heavy Industries and Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has condemned the Karnataka government's recent hikes in milk and power prices, claiming that these increases are detrimental to the people and benefit only the Karnataka Milk Federation.
Key Takeaways
- H.D. Kumaraswamy criticizes Karnataka's milk price hike.
- Milk prices increased by Rs 4 per litre.
- Power tariff hike of 36 paise per unit announced.
- Kumaraswamy labels government actions as exploitation.
- Concern over benefits going to the Karnataka Milk Federation.
Bengaluru, March 28 (NationPress) Union Heavy Industries and Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy strongly criticized the Congress-led Karnataka government for raising milk prices by Rs 4 per litre just before the Ugadi festival.
"For Ugadi, a festival of happiness, the government has presented us with this price increase," he remarked, condemning the decision.
Kumaraswamy alleged that the Congress government has been engaging in two years of continuous exploitation, stating: "In August 2023, there was a Rs 3 per litre milk price hike, followed by a Rs 2 hike in June 2024, and now a Rs 4 hike in March 2025."
Regarding the power tariff hike, the Union Minister remarked: "Now, everyone will face an increase of 36 paise per unit."
"A government that pretends to give with one hand while robbing with the other - this multifaceted Ravana-like exploitation is a death sentence for the people of Karnataka. The increases in milk and electricity prices are reprehensible. They use farmers as a cover, but the true beneficiary is the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF). This government operates like a corporate entity," Union Minister Kumaraswamy emphasized.
He also raised concerns about who will truly benefit from the price increase, questioning: "You've (Congress government) raised curd prices by Rs 4. Where is this money going? Will farmers receive it, or is KMF hoarding it all? Provide clarity!"
"This is not a democratic government. It is a government characterized by price hikes and tax burdens! This is the East India Congress Company! Exploitation is their only agenda. Karnataka is ensnared in the grips of the East India Congress Company," he asserted.
Significantly, the Siddaramaiah administration on Thursday approved a Rs 4 per litre increase in the price of Nandini milk, distributed by the Karnataka Milk Federation, after evaluating requests from KMF and farmers' organizations. The new pricing will take effect from April 1.
Immediately following the milk price hike, the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC), a statutory body, declared the implementation of the power tariff hike of 36 paise per unit in the state, also commencing on April 1.
The state BJP unit has branded the increases in milk and power tariffs as a blatant attack on the average citizen's finances.
