BJP Slams Karnataka Government Over Repeated Fuel Tax Hikes
In a sharp political exchange, Senior BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka has accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of imposing a heavy burden on citizens through successive increases in taxes on petrol and diesel. Ashoka's remarks came on Friday in response to criticism from Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President DK Shivakumar regarding fuel pricing policies.
Allegations of Fiscal Mismanagement
Ashoka, in a media statement, labeled Shivakumar's comments as "ironic and laughable", pointing out that the state government itself has been responsible for raising fuel costs. He alleged that since assuming power in May 2023, the Siddaramaiah-led administration has relied heavily on fuel taxes as a revenue source to offset fiscal challenges.
Specific claims include a sales tax hike in June 2024 that increased petrol prices by approximately Rs 3 per litre and diesel by about Rs 3.5 per litre. Ashoka argued that this move directly impacts the common people, contradicting the government's public stance on affordability.
Central Government's Stance on Fuel Prices
Amidst this state-level controversy, Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the stability of fuel supplies and prices in India despite global oil market volatility. Speaking on Friday, Shah highlighted that India is "the only country with no increase in petrol and diesel prices" while retail costs surge worldwide due to geopolitical tensions.
He urged public trust in the Narendra Modi Government, assuring that there is no shortage of LPG cylinders or fuel. However, Shivakumar countered this by alleging that the Centre's current price freeze is an "election gimmick", predicting a post-election hike. He claimed the Central government collects an extra Rs 1,000 crore daily in taxes, questioning its distribution and accusing it of benefiting select companies.
Election Commission Updates West Bengal Voter List
In a separate development, the Election Commission published the second supplementary list under the Summary Revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal on Friday night. An official confirmed the release but did not disclose specifics on the number of deletions or inclusions.
Booth-wise lists were made available on the EC website around 11.30 pm, though access to detailed data was hindered by technical glitches. The official stated, "The second list has been published. We cannot divulge anything more," maintaining confidentiality around the process.
Other News Highlights
- A minor girl was tragically crushed to death by a dumper truck in Chembur, Mumbai, with the driver apprehended and legal proceedings underway.
- Political tensions continue to simmer as both state and central figures debate fuel pricing strategies ahead of electoral cycles.
This unfolding scenario underscores the ongoing debates over governance, taxation, and electoral preparedness in India, with implications for both economic policy and democratic processes.
