Mysuru/Bengaluru: Opposition BJP’s statewide ‘Janaakrosha Yatre’ against the state govt’s price hikes kicked off Monday with a show of strength and fiery speeches but faced an immediate credibility blow after the Union govt raised excise duty on petrol and diesel and prices of cooking gas.
While the Centre said the excise duty hike in petrol and diesel prices would not be passed on to consumers, the Rs 50 increase in cooking gas cylinders will sting the middle-class. Seizing the moment, chief minister Siddaramaiah ridiculed BJP, calling its protest yatre “hypocritical”.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has exposed the hypocrisy of the so-called ‘Janaakrosha Yatre’ launched by BJP functionaries in Karnataka, by himself increasing prices of petrol, diesel, and cooking gas. He has, in effect, confirmed the truth we have been saying all along — that these price hikes are the direct result of the Union govt’s anti-people economic policies,” Siddaramaiah said.
He went on to say, “I would like to know what BJP members in Karnataka have to say about the fresh hike in excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 2, and the Rs 50 increase in the price of a cooking gas cylinder. Even though crude oil prices are falling in the international market, the Union govt continues to raise fuel prices. State BJP functionaries owe the people of Karnataka an explanation.”
Siddaramaiah further said: “Anyone with basic economic knowledge will understand that consistent rise in petrol, diesel, and cooking gas prices is the root cause behind the increase in cost of essentials — from rice, pulses, fish, meat, vegetables to hotel food. Yet, BJP functionaries are trying to blame us. Those who have embarked on this so-called ‘Janaakrosha Yatre’ now have only two options: Either pressure the PM to roll back the price hikes or end their farce and return home. If they choose to continue this drama, they will surely face the real anger of the people.”
While launching the yatre in Mysuru, Union minister Pralhad Joshi, said, “Today, we have resolved to uproot this [Congress] govt with the blessings of Goddess Chamundeshwari. The state govt has made history by increasing prices of essential goods. Our chief minister and his deputy are shameless, villainous and deceitful. The hike in milk prices has pushed people into hardship. This govt is entangled in several scams. Even when an MLA is named in a suicide note, no FIR is filed against the MLA.”
Former CM Sadananda Gowda said, “Siddaramaiah is running a regime worse than that of Alauddin Khilji.” Opposition leader in the council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, said, “We’ve launched the Janaakrosha Yatre from the land of Mysuru maharajas. The CM is from this district but claims to have contributed more than the maharajas. This govt’s time is up—it has already run its course.”