Did Union Minister Joshi Just Accuse K'taka Govt of Daylight Robbery?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has sharply criticized the Karnataka government for its actions, labeling them as 'daylight robbery.' He highlights the government’s ongoing price hikes and calls attention to the implications of increased bus fares during the Dussehra festival, urging citizens to recognize the impact on their daily lives.
Key Takeaways
- Pralhad Joshi accuses the Karnataka government of misgovernance.
- Price hikes on essential goods are a concern for citizens.
- The bus fare increase during Dussehra is labeled a 'Mahishasura Tax.'
- The government defends fare hikes citing long-standing practices.
- Public outcry highlights the economic burden on families.
Bengaluru/New Delhi, Sep 30 (NationPress) The Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the Karnataka government led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, accusing it of engaging in "daylight robbery".
While addressing the press in New Delhi, Minister Joshi remarked, "This is the pinnacle of misgovernance. The ordinary citizens who had faith in the government’s commitments and voted them into power are now ensnared in financial distress."
He emphasized that although Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken measures to reduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and lower the prices of various goods, the Karnataka government has been doing the contrary by persistently hiking prices.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has slashed GST to aid the economic advancement of common citizens. Consequently, essential items are now more affordable. However, in Karnataka, the Congress government is forcing people to protest due to unrelenting price increases," Joshi declared.
Furthermore, he severely criticized the Karnataka government for increasing bus fares during the Dussehra festival, labeling it a 'Mahishasura Tax' on commuters traveling between Bengaluru and the historically significant city of Mysuru, where the Dussehra festivities are grandly celebrated by the state government.
Joshi claimed that by raising fares on the Bengaluru–Mysuru route, the government has transformed into a 'Mahishasura' for the citizens of the state, referencing the mythological demon king who was vanquished by the goddess Chamundeshwari.
He further condemned the state government by stating, "Over 48 essential items have already seen price increases. Now, even before Dussehra commences, the government has raised bus fares on this crucial route by Rs 20–30, burdening the average citizen."
In defense of the fare hike, the transport department earlier clarified that this special fare adjustment has been practiced for the past 20 years during Dussehra and other holidays, with the increase being restricted to the Bengaluru-Mysuru route due to special services operating on one-way traffic, often returning with empty or nearly empty buses.
They added that the operating costs for these special services remain elevated due to vehicles being dispatched from other divisions, asserting that this fare increase is necessary to cover additional operational costs and guarantee efficient management of festival traffic.
Point of View
It is crucial to remain unbiased in reporting the ongoing situation in Karnataka. The criticisms levied by Union Minister Joshi prompt a necessary dialogue on governance and economic policies. Understanding the implications of price hikes during festival seasons is vital for citizens, and this issue requires careful consideration from all sides involved.
NationPress
30/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the recent accusations made by Union Minister Joshi?
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has accused the Karnataka government of engaging in 'daylight robbery' due to continuous price hikes affecting essential goods and services.
How has the Karnataka government responded to the fare hikes?
The Karnataka transport department has stated that fare increases during Dussehra have been standard practice for 20 years, citing operational costs as the reason for the adjustments.
What does the 'Mahishasura Tax' refer to?
'Mahishasura Tax' is a term coined by Joshi to criticize the fare increase imposed on commuters during the Dussehra festival, drawing a metaphor from mythology.
