Synopsis
BJP leader Amit Malviya criticizes Rahul Gandhi's policies and the Congress government in Karnataka for increasing utility bills and hiking water charges, attributing the financial burden on citizens to the ruling party's pre-election promises of freebies.Key Takeaways
- Amit Malviya criticizes Rahul Gandhi's economic policies.
- Karnataka citizens face significant hikes in water and sewerage charges.
- Inflation in Karnataka is above the national average.
- BJP protests against price hikes and government policies.
- Criticism of Congress government for unmet pre-election promises.
New Delhi, April 13 (NationPress) BJP leader Amit Malviya on Sunday criticized the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and the ruling Congress in Karnataka for imposing significant utility bills and increasing water and sewerage charges on citizens.
In a social media update titled “Another day, another price hike in Karnataka,” Malviya attributed the financial strain caused by the ruling party's pre-election promises of freebies as the reason behind the necessary hike in utility charges.
“Karnataka is suffering due to Rahul Gandhi’s ‘khata khat’ model,” stated Malviya, who oversees the BJP's National Information and Technology Department, while sharing a news article regarding the anticipated increase in water charges in Bengaluru.
The article referenced by Malviya indicates that Bengaluru's water bills will rise by at least 32 percent starting in May, and there may also be an increase in sewerage fees.
By citing statistics that show inflation in Karnataka surpassing the national average, the BJP leader linked the promised freebies to financial mismanagement, remarking, “This is what occurs when a party makes impractical promises.”
The post stated, “Data from the Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation shows that in February 2025, inflation based on the Consumer Price Index was 4.49 percent in Karnataka, exceeding the national average of 3.61 percent.”
Malviya's renewed criticism of the state government comes shortly after the Karnataka BJP conducted an overnight protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru against a series of price hikes and the Congress government's decision to allot 4 percent reservation for Muslims in government tenders.
The protest saw participation from numerous senior BJP leaders, including former Chief Minister and BJP Parliamentary Board member B.S. Yediyurappa, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, former Deputy Chief Minister Ashwath Narayan, and several other notable figures.
The BJP leaders showcased milk cans with slogans opposing the Congress-led government. They also published a charge sheet against the ruling party in a five-page booklet.
Posters targeting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah were displayed, with additional posters condemning the government regarding the Muslim quota in government tenders.
BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra launched a fierce critique of the Congress government, asserting that it is a regime synonymous with price increases.
“They promote themselves as a government that fulfills its commitments, but this is far from a compassionate administration,” he asserted.
Vijayendra challenged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to step outside his air-conditioned office. “You are not merely the Chief Minister of Bengaluru. Travel across the state with your ministers to districts like Raichur, Koppal, and Belagavi,” he urged.
He further highlighted the rising prices of seeds and questioned whether the populace is content under the Congress government.
“Women receive Rs 2,000 and free electricity through various schemes, yet these promises have not been properly executed. This administration is solely burdening the public with price hikes,” he claimed.
Vijayendra criticized the government for escalating prices on essential items, stating, “Low-income families, farmers, and the average citizen are struggling to make ends meet. Prices for petrol, diesel, milk, and even government hospital fees have surged. Just yesterday, diesel prices rose by Rs 2, which will further inflate the costs of essential goods,” he stated.
