Bengaluru, April 17: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched a sharp attack on the central government, criticizing the recent hike in LPG prices and the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) chargesheet against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. His remarks came during a protest organized by the Karnataka Congress at Freedom Park in Bengaluru.
Siddaramaiah held the BJP-led central government accountable for the rising prices and the hardships faced by common people. He pointed out that the prices of fuel and essential commodities have been steadily increasing since the BJP came to power. “For the last 11 years, the BJP has been regularly raising fuel prices. Now again, petrol and gas prices have gone up, and this is affecting everyone badly,” he stated.
The Chief Minister also referenced Congress leader Randeep Surjewala’s earlier warning that even a Rs 2 increase in fuel prices would have a major impact. He further criticized the BJP and JD(S), accusing them of lacking the moral standing to protest against the price hikes. “If they had any shame, they wouldn’t have done this,” Siddaramaiah added.
Siddaramaiah raised a pointed question regarding the BJP’s promise of “Achhe Din” (good days), asking, “Are these the good days they promised?”
In addition to the price hikes, the Chief Minister criticized the Modi government for allegedly misusing central agencies like the CBI, ED, and the Income Tax Department against those who protest or voice dissent. “They even filed a case against me during the National Herald protest. What wrong have Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi done?” he asked, calling for public resistance against the misuse of power.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who was also present at the rally, echoed Siddaramaiah’s criticism of the BJP and JD(S) while emphasizing that the Congress party would return to power in 2028 due to growing public dissatisfaction. He also defended the state government’s stance on supporting farmers and laborers, highlighting the recent decision to raise milk prices by Rs 4 to benefit farmers.
Shivakumar pointed out that despite the price hike, Karnataka’s milk prices remained lower than those in other states like Haryana, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, where milk prices range from Rs 55 to Rs 57 per liter.
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