Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R. Ashoka, on Monday accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of collecting an additional ₹6,000 crore annually through a hike in petrol Value Added Tax (VAT), while deflecting public anger toward the Centre over rising fuel prices. Ashoka made the allegations at a press conference in Bengaluru, calling the state government's posture 'a betrayal of the people.'

The VAT Allegation

Ashoka claimed the Karnataka government had hiked VAT on petrol, earning an extra ₹1.15 per litre from every sale — revenue he alleged was being channelled into funding the state's guarantee schemes rather than passed on as relief to consumers. He argued that if the government genuinely wanted to ease the burden on citizens, it should cut state-level taxes rather than organise protests against central fuel pricing.

'If the government genuinely wants to help people, it should reduce state taxes. Otherwise, it should openly admit that it is collecting additional revenue from the public,' Ashoka said.

Petrol Price Comparison Across States

To substantiate his charge, Ashoka cited cross-state price data. According to him, petrol in Karnataka is priced at ₹107.70 per litre, compared to approximately ₹99.50 in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, ₹99.10 in Gujarat, and ₹99.70 in Haryana. He attributed the differential primarily to the state VAT hike. NationPress could not independently verify these figures at the time of publication.

Law and Order and Communal Tensions

Ashoka also raised concerns about communal tensions in the state, alleging that the Karnataka government had withdrawn cases against accused persons in the Aland communal violence matter. He claimed such decisions were emboldening extremist elements. Separately, he referred to recent tensions in Bhatkal following the demolition of a religious structure, demanding strict action against those responsible.

He called for an impartial investigation into both incidents and demanded the resignation of Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara, holding him morally responsible for the deteriorating law and order situation.

Financial Governance Under Fire

On the state's fiscal health, Ashoka accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of presiding over a government that had raised taxes on multiple items — including a new garbage tax — while continuing to borrow heavily. He alleged the state treasury was under severe strain and that ration cards were being cancelled to reduce expenditure on guarantee schemes.

He also alleged that the state government had failed to release funds required for rice procurement from the Centre, despite adequate stock being available until June.

Electoral Rolls and Bhatkal Drowning Tragedy

Defending the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Ashoka said the exercise would help identify illegal Bangladeshi residents and ensure only genuine voters remained on the rolls. On the recent tragedy in Bhatkal — in which several people drowned while collecting shellfish — he called on authorities to provide proper safety guidance to those venturing into rivers and coastal areas for such activities.

The Karnataka government has not yet issued a formal response to Ashoka's allegations. With assembly sessions approaching and guarantee-scheme funding under scrutiny, the fiscal and communal flashpoints he raised are likely to intensify political debate in the weeks ahead.