Siddaramaiah cites excise duty hike on fuel, mocks BJP for their campaign on price rise
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized the BJP's protest campaign, coinciding with a central excise duty hike on petrol and diesel. He accused Prime Minister Modi of exposing the BJP's hypocrisy and blamed the Union Government's economic policies for rising fuel prices. Siddaramaiah challenged BJP leaders to address the price hikes or face public anger, highlighting the impact on essential goods.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), however, clarified that the raise in excise duty would not alter the retail prices of petrol and diesel, and they will sell at retail rates as before.
"I would like to know what the BJP leaders in Karnataka have to say about the fresh hike in excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹2, and the ₹50 increase in the price of a cooking gas cylinder.
Even though crude oil prices are falling in the international market, the Union Government continues to raise fuel prices . BJP leaders owe the people of Karnataka an explanation," Siddaramaiah said.
Anyone with basic economic knowledge understands that the consistent rise in petrol, diesel, and cooking gas prices is the root cause behind the increase in the cost of essentials — from rice, pulses, fish, meat, vegetables to hotel food, he said.
"Yet, BJP leaders are trying to shift the blame onto us. But now, Prime Minister Modi himself has exposed their bluff.
" Live Events Effective April 1, the Congress regime in Karnataka hiked the sales tax on diesel increasing the pump prices of diesel by Rs 2 per litre.
Siddaramaiah, however, said the BJP leaders, "who have embarked on this so-called ‘Janaakrosha Yatre’ now have only two options: either pressure the Prime Minister 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.
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