Karnataka BJP Launches Statewide Demonstrations Against Rising Prices
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Synopsis
The Karnataka BJP has criticized the state government for tax hikes and rising commodity prices, calling Chief Minister Siddaramaiah deceitful. They plan protests across the state, with dates to be confirmed after Ugadi. Opposition leader R. Ashoka highlighted the negative impact on farmers and consumers, urging accountability from the government.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka BJP condemns tax hikes.
- Protests planned statewide after Ugadi.
- Milk prices raised three times under Congress.
- Criticism of budget for hidden tax increases.
- Infrastructure projects remain stalled.
Bengaluru, March 28 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has vehemently condemned the state government for the rise in taxes and commodity prices, labeling Chief Minister Siddaramaiah as “India’s number one in deceit.” The party has declared its intention to conduct statewide protests against these price increases, with specific dates to be established post-Ugadi festival.
During a press briefing in Bengaluru, opposition leader R. Ashoka asserted, “No taxes were instituted in the budget, but a covert agenda was pursued, resulting in post-budget tax and rate hikes.”
The BJP plans to stage protests throughout Karnataka in response to these increases. Ashoka highlighted that milk prices have been raised three times since the Congress-led administration took charge, amounting to a total increase of Rs 9.
“Farmers have not received any profit from this, and promised incentives are still outstanding. The Congress had guaranteed increased incentives in its manifesto, yet nothing has been enacted,” he noted.
Critiquing the budget unveiled by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Ashoka claimed it was rife with falsehoods. “I had forewarned that a crisis was imminent. Taxes should have been disclosed in the budget itself, but instead, they were raised later to mislead the public and garner media accolades,” he accused.
“The entire economy relies on electricity and fuel. As their prices escalate, the cost of all goods rises, making life increasingly difficult for citizens. Meanwhile, the Rs 2,000 allocated under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme is of little help to the average person. The Guarantee Implementation Committee is a wasteful entity consuming Rs 150 crore unnecessarily on Congress affiliates,” Ashoka alleged.
He further criticized the government for hiking taxes just ahead of Ugadi, including an increase in milk prices—a vital commodity during festivals. When asked about the price hikes, Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna reportedly responded with arrogance, stating that the government lacks currency-printing capabilities, Ashoka mentioned.
Ashoka also lambasted the government for its failure to implement essential infrastructure projects. “In the past 20 months, no reservoirs have been expanded, no dams constructed, and the Mekedatu project remains stagnant. In Bengaluru, a green cess has been imposed on waste management, while service fees in government hospitals have surged. ‘Brand Bengaluru’ has transformed into ‘Expensive Bengaluru,’” he exclaimed.
Defending the hike in electricity rates, the government attributed it to a court ruling. Ashoka dismissed this rationale, likening it to saying, “not a son-in-law, but a daughter’s husband.”
Ashoka further criticized Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who recently mentioned that a water tariff increase was unavoidable. “While CM Siddaramaiah is raising commodity prices, Deputy CM Shivakumar has stated that water tariffs will increase regardless. Instead of focusing on Karnataka’s priorities, Shivakumar has been preoccupied with embracing Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin in Chennai. He should have used this moment to advocate for resolving Tamil Nadu’s objections to the Mekedatu project,” Ashoka remarked.
