Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra on Saturday, 31 October announced statewide protests against the recent hike in milk and curd prices, accusing the Congress-led state government of repeatedly burdening ordinary households with price increases. Vijayendra made the announcement while speaking to media in Davanagere, warning that the BJP would intensify its agitation if the government refused to roll back the hike.

The Price Hike and BJP's Core Demand

The state government recently raised milk prices by ₹8 per litre, with curd prices also revised upward. Vijayendra described the move as a Deepavali and Kannada Rajyotsava 'gift' — a pointed dig at the timing of the announcement during the festive season.

While the BJP leader acknowledged that higher milk prices could benefit dairy farmers, he argued that the financial burden should not fall on consumers. 'We agree that the increase in milk prices will benefit farmers. However, it is not right to burden consumers in the name of helping farmers. The state government should have increased the subsidy on milk and borne the additional expenditure itself,' Vijayendra said.

He demanded that the government withdraw the hike and absorb the cost through state subsidies, warning that the BJP would 'intensify its agitation across the state' if the demand went unheeded.

Broader Cost-of-Living Concerns

Vijayendra listed a series of price increases the Congress government has overseen since coming to power in Karnataka, citing hikes in petrol, liquor, milk, and stamp duty. He also flagged rising costs in hospitals, bike taxis, and parking facilities.

Adding to consumer anxiety, Vijayendra alleged the state government was preparing to increase bus fares in the coming days — a charge that follows Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's reported remark that the state lacked funds to purchase diesel for buses. 'In response to our demand for a white paper on the state's finances, they have shown their pockets. Is any bigger evidence required?' Vijayendra said, arguing that the inability to procure diesel pointed to a state exchequer under severe strain.

He also claimed that approximately ₹1,700 crore in subsidies payable to milk producers remained pending with the state government.

Political Flashpoints: Valmiki Reservation and Congress Protests

Vijayendra also responded to Congress leader Ugrappa's threat to hold protests during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit if the Valmiki community's reservation was not included in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution. He dismissed the threat as 'political theatrics.'

On Congress's proposed protest march in Delhi, Vijayendra alleged that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was 'frustrated by the growing popularity of Prime Minister Modi,' and accused the Congress of conspiring to 'destabilise the Central government and create anarchy in the country' with the alleged support of Communist organisations.

In response, Vijayendra said the BJP had launched a nationwide 'Save Democracy, Eradicate Anarchy' campaign, with multiple programmes planned across Karnataka, including a padayatra in the Chitradurga division with around 10,000 participants expected.

BJP's Legislative Council Wins and Internal Dynamics

Vijayendra cited the NDA's sweep of all four Legislative Council constituencies as public validation of the BJP's opposition to the Congress government's governance record. He described the victories as a 'fitting response from the people.'

Addressing questions about internal divisions within the party, Vijayendra said, 'Despite facing challenges, we have won all four Legislative Council seats. The confusion within the party will be resolved soon.' He also flagged that thousands of government posts across state departments remain vacant, even as the government announced efforts to provide employment to Kannadigas in the IT and biotechnology sectors.

What Happens Next

With the BJP framing the milk and curd price hike as a litmus test for the Congress government's pro-people credentials, Karnataka is likely to see escalating street-level political activity in the coming weeks. The BJP's formal protest calendar, the Chitradurga padayatra, and the nationwide 'Save Democracy' campaign are all set to keep the pressure on Chief Minister Shivakumar's administration heading into the winter session of the legislature.