Belagavi (Karnataka) [India], April 12 (ANI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah lashed out at the BJP’s Jan Akrosh Yatra in the state, stating that BJP leaders lack dignity and decorum.
Siddaramaiah questioned who is responsible for the price hikes of petrol, diesel, and LPG cylinders. He asserted that the BJP is directly accountable for the rising prices of essential commodities.
“BJP leaders have no sense of dignity or decorum. Who is responsible for the hike in petrol, diesel, and LPG cylinder prices? What answers do BJP leaders have for this price hike? The BJP is directly responsible for the rise in prices of essential commodities. The Narendra Modi government is the direct reason for the price hike. Our decision may have led to only around ₹7,000–₹8,000 crores in additional tax collection,” Siddaramaiah said while speaking at the Belagavi airport.
He further explained that the rise in milk prices does not contribute to the government treasury but instead benefits farmers. He emphasized that petrol prices are tied to global crude oil rates. Recalling the time of the UPA government, he pointed out that crude oil then was priced at USD 120 per barrel, whereas it is around USD 55 per barrel today, yet petrol prices remain high. He demanded answers from the Union Government.
“The hike in milk prices doesn’t bring money to the government treasury—it goes to farmers. If BJP protests giving money to farmers, then are they anti-farmer? They increased LPG cylinder prices by ₹50. Who does that burden? Do you even know the current price of crude oil? The prices of petrol and diesel are linked to crude oil prices. During Manmohan Singh’s tenure, crude oil was $120 per barrel. Today it’s only around $55 per barrel. Then why have you still increased the prices? Let them answer. Speak up against the central government’s price hike,” the Karnataka CM added.
“BJP has no moral right to protest. All these price hikes happened during the BJP’s time in power. Check the price of an LPG cylinder now and what it was during Manmohan Singh’s time—it has doubled. But the media doesn’t ask these questions,” Siddaramaiah expressed in frustration.
Addressing the BJP’s allegations about the Karnataka government being bankrupt, Siddaramaiah questioned whether retirement benefits, salaries, and pensions had been stopped. He blamed the BJP for any financial distress the state may face and highlighted that this year’s state budget exceeded ₹4 lakh crores.
“Are salaries, pensions, and retirement benefits stopped? Let’s see. During BJP’s time, even after claiming there was no money, they issued tenders and misused funds. Now they are trying to lecture us. If Karnataka is financially bankrupt today, the BJP is directly responsible. It happened during the tenures of Jagadish Shettar, Basavaraj Bommai, and Yediyurappa. We have presented a budget of ₹4,09,500 crores this year. Last year, we presented a budget of ₹3.71 lakh crores. This is an increase of ₹38,000 crores. If the state is bankrupt, could we have increased the budget like this? Yes, we have taken loans. But do you know how much Modi has borrowed? When Modi came to power, India’s debt was ₹53.11 lakh crores. After Modi took over, it has increased to ₹200 lakh crores. From independence to Modi’s arrival, the debt was ₹53 lakh crores—Modi alone has quadrupled it. Modi is responsible for the country’s debt surge. You won’t say it, nor do you even know about it,” Siddaramaiah added.
(ANI)
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