Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday accused the Narendra Modi-led central government of hiking petrol and diesel prices after the Lok Sabha elections, and demanded that the price increase be withdrawn immediately.
Post-Election Price Hike
Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said that the central government had deliberately kept fuel prices stable during the election period but raised them soon after the voting concluded. He alleged that this was a tactic to avoid public backlash during the polls.
The chief minister pointed out that petrol and diesel prices have increased by several rupees per litre in recent weeks, adding to the financial burden on common people. He urged the central government to reverse the hike and provide relief to consumers.
Impact on Common People
Siddaramaiah highlighted that the price rise affects not only individual vehicle owners but also the overall economy, as transportation costs increase, leading to higher prices of essential commodities. He said that the state government is committed to ensuring affordable fuel prices and will explore all possible measures to mitigate the impact.
The Congress leader also criticized the central government for its handling of the economy, stating that the fuel price hike is another example of the Modi government's failure to control inflation and support the poor and middle class.
Political Reactions
The opposition parties have also slammed the central government for the price increase. The Congress party has called for nationwide protests against the fuel price hike. Meanwhile, the BJP has defended the move, citing global crude oil prices and the need to maintain fiscal discipline.
Siddaramaiah's remarks come amid a broader political debate over fuel prices in India, which have been a sensitive issue for governments at both the central and state levels. The Karnataka government has previously reduced value-added tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel to provide some relief, but the chief minister insists that the central government must take the lead.
As the political battle intensifies, consumers continue to bear the brunt of rising fuel costs, with no immediate resolution in sight.
