Congress to Stage Statewide Protest Against BJP’s 'Price Rise Hypocrisy' on April 17
CM Siddaramaiah and AICC’s Randeep Surjewala to lead mass protests at Freedom Park, Shivakumar calls out BJP’s ‘double standards’ on milk hike while ignoring central taxes
BNH NETWORK
Congress Govt earmarks ₹52,000 Cr to ease common man’s burden, says DK Shivakumar
Bengaluru - Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has announced a statewide protest on April 17 against what he called the BJP-led Centre’s “double standards” on price rise, accusing the ruling party of hypocrisy and economic mismanagement.
Speaking at a press conference at the KPCC headquarters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said the protest would take place at all district headquarters and culminate in a major rally at Freedom Park, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala.
“Do R. Ashok and B.Y. Vijayendra only see the rise in milk prices? Do they not see the skyrocketing fuel prices imposed by their own government at the Centre?” Shivakumar asked sharply.
BJP’s ‘Janakrosha Yatra’ is Against Their Own Govt: DCM
He mocked the BJP's recent Janakrosha Yatra, stating that it appeared to be a protest against the Modi government itself. “The Centre has gifted Karnataka BJP with a fuel price hike on the very day they’re protesting. They should put up a signboard stating their protest is against the Centre’s price rise.”
"The crude oil price has dropped by 4.23%, yet petrol is at ₹103 and diesel at ₹91. The base price of petrol is ₹42.60, but nearly 60% is tax," he pointed out.
Milk Hike Justified, Others Are Loot
Justifying Karnataka’s milk price hike, Shivakumar said it was aimed at supporting farmers. “Despite the hike, we still have the lowest milk price in India,” he added, listing rates across states that range from ₹52 to ₹60.
He also defended water tariff and garbage cess increases, calling them nominal and far less exploitative than what the BJP had imposed earlier.
“We’ve earmarked ₹52,000 crore for guarantee schemes to ease the burden of the poor. That’s our answer to price rise,” he said.
‘From Phones to Gold – Who Controls Prices?’
Shivakumar highlighted the stark inflation in other sectors during BJP’s regime:
- “Gold was ₹28,000 in the UPA era, now ₹92,000.”
- “Mobiles once cost ₹10,000, now ₹30,000.”
- “Dollar has shot up from ₹59 to ₹89.”
“Bank charges have become a scam: deposit fees, withdrawal fees, even cheque book charges. Why is no one protesting that?” he asked.
Other Key Issues:
Corruption Allegations: On CM Siddaramaiah being linked to a mining scam, Shivakumar dismissed the charges as “politically motivated.”
Delay in Contractor Payments: “Let them complain to the Lokayukta—we’ll act. We don’t tolerate corruption.”
KPCC Rejig Rumors: “No change in KPCC President. Some new district leaders may be appointed.”
New Airport Proposal: “All parts of Karnataka are equal to me. Centre will decide the location.”
Kumaraswamy’s 'document trucks': “Ask him when I should send trucks to collect his evidence against me,” he quipped.
FACT FILE: PRICE COMPARISONS
| Commodity | UPA Govt Price | Current Price | Controlled By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold (10g) | ₹28,000 | ₹92,000 | Central Govt |
| Petrol (per litre) | ₹65–70 | ₹103 | Central Govt (60% tax) |
| Diesel (per litre) | ₹55–60 | ₹91 | Central Govt |
| Mobile Phone | ₹10,000 | ₹30,000 | Market / Imports |
| Tractor | ₹1.5 lakh | ₹5 lakh | Manufacturers / Input Tax |
| Dollar Rate | ₹59 | ₹89 | RBI / Central Policy |
