MP Accuses Union Government of Excessive Toll Collection and Price Hikes
Rajya Sabha member and AICC general secretary Nassir Hussein has launched a scathing critique against the NDA government, alleging exorbitant highway toll collections from Karnataka alongside significant price increases on essential goods. Speaking to reporters in Davanagere on Sunday, Hussein detailed a series of grievances that he claims are burdening the common citizen.
Highway Tolls and Service Deficiencies
The Union government has amassed a staggering Rs 23,000 crore in national highway tolls from Karnataka between 2019 and 2026, according to Hussein. He emphasized that this substantial revenue collection coincides with a recent 5% hike in toll prices implemented by the Ministry of Highways. Despite these increased charges, highway users are receiving fewer facilities and deteriorating services, the MP asserted, highlighting a disconnect between cost and quality.
Escalating Prices of Essential Commodities
Hussein further accused the Narendra Modi-led administration of focusing disproportionately on raising prices, particularly for critical items. Essential commodities such as food, cooking cylinders, and medicines have seen continuous tax-induced price escalations, he stated. In a particularly alarming revelation, Hussein claimed the government plans to increase the prices of over 900 medicines, including those for diabetes, blood pressure, and other essential treatments. This move is predicted to disproportionately impact poor and vulnerable populations, he warned.
Parliamentary and Policy Failures
The Rajya Sabha member also criticized procedural shortcomings, noting that attempts to debate these pressing issues in Parliament during the budget session were thwarted as the Speaker did not permit discussion. On the foreign policy front, Hussein was unequivocal: He alleged that the nation's foreign policy has been destroyed, resulting in a negligible role in the ongoing West Asia crisis. Additionally, he pointed to a lack of preparedness in addressing potential fuel scarcity, citing a broken government assurance on domestic cylinder availability.
The government previously promised a domestic cylinder every 25 days but has now extended this period to 45 days, Hussein disclosed, illustrating what he views as a pattern of unfulfilled commitments.
Political Confidence and Public Sentiment
Expressing strong political conviction, Hussein declared that the people of the nation have had enough of the Union government's policies. Based on his extensive travels across Assam, Puducherry, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka—including visits for two byelections—he confidently predicted that the opposition will form governments in at least three states in the upcoming elections. This statement underscores his belief in a shifting political landscape driven by public dissatisfaction with current economic and administrative measures.
In summary, Nassir Hussein's allegations paint a picture of a government prioritizing revenue generation and price hikes over public welfare and effective governance, with significant implications for both domestic affordability and international standing.
