Karnataka Congress Plans Protest on April 17 Against BJP's Janakrosh Yatra
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Synopsis
On April 17, Karnataka Congress will organize a protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru against the BJP's Janakrosh Yatra, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and other party leaders. The protest addresses rising inflation and urges the BJP to focus on the central government's policies.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka Congress to protest against BJP's Janakrosh Yatra.
- Protest led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on April 17.
- Focus on rising prices of essential commodities.
- Criticism of central government policies impacting inflation.
- Call for broader protests at district levels.
Bengaluru, April 10 (NationPress) The Karnataka Congress has announced a demonstration on April 17 at Freedom Park in Bengaluru to protest against the BJP's state-wide Janakrosh Yatra.
The President of Karnataka Congress and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, while speaking at a press conference in Bengaluru, stated, "On April 17 (Thursday), we will hold a protest under the guidance of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala and other secretaries will also join the demonstration."
He mentioned that all MLAs and ministers will be invited to participate, along with party officials.
"Further plans for protests at the district and taluk levels will be disclosed later. We have just returned from being out of state for three days, so the announcement is being made today. This will be a Janakrosh Yatra against the Union government, responsible for the rising inflation of essential commodities," he expressed.
Commenting on the BJP's Janakrosh Yatra, Shivakumar remarked: "I urge my BJP colleagues to direct their Janakrosh Yatra against the central BJP government. Since taking office in 2014, the prices of essential commodities have surged. The costs of diesel, petrol, cement, vehicles, televisions, and other products have increased two to three times."
He noted that the BJP is focusing on the milk price hike, emphasizing that it has been raised to support farmers due to the doubling of cattle feed prices.
"Water prices remained unchanged for ten years, and a decision to increase them was necessary following a rise in power tariffs and salary expenditures within the department. All essential commodities, including gold and silver, have seen price increases compared to 2014. The average person is unable to afford even one Mangalsutra," he pointed out.
He stated that the cost of a small vehicle has doubled, and previously, there were no maintenance fees for bank accounts.
"People could maintain an active bank account with as little as Rs 5. The sole reason for these price hikes is the policies of the Union government. The BJP should protest against the central administration," he added.
Shivakumar further criticized BJP leaders R. Ashoka and B.Y. Vijayendra, claiming they only notice the state government's milk price increases while ignoring that these hikes stem from the central government's actions.
"On the very day the BJP initiated its yatra, the Union government raised petrol and diesel prices by Rs 2 each and LPG by Rs 50. It’s like a ‘gift’ to their yatra. The public should be aware of the people's grievances regarding this. The BJP should make it clear that their yatra is against the central government," he stated.
He added that on Wednesday, crude oil prices fell by 4.23%, yet the central government did not lower fuel prices.
"The base cost of petrol is Rs 42.60 per liter, but it is sold at Rs 103, generating the government a profit of Rs 60 per liter. Diesel costs Rs 91, with a profit of Rs 43. Approximately 60% of petrol and diesel prices consist of taxes," he explained.
He highlighted that milk prices in Karnataka remain among the lowest in the country at Rs 42 per liter.
"In comparison, in Kerala, it’s Rs 52, Gujarat Rs 53, Delhi Rs 55, Maharashtra Rs 52, Telangana Rs 58, Assam Rs 60, Haryana Rs 56, Rajasthan Rs 50, Madhya Pradesh Rs 52, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh Rs 56," he concluded.
