New Delhi, June 16 (IANS): Amit Malviya, in-charge of BJP's national IT cell, on Sunday, came down on Karnataka Congress and Rahul Gandhi over the recent fuel price hike in the state.
Malviya took to X to express his discontent, pointing to Karnataka Minister for Industries and Development M. B. Patil, who justified the hike as necessary to fund Rahul Gandhi's "guarantees."
"M. B. Patil, Karnataka State Minister for Industries and Development, has said that the hefty fuel price hike was necessitated to fund Rahul Gandhi's 'guarantees'. Rahul has ruined every state he has laid his hands on," Malviya stated.
On Saturday, M. B. Patil defended the move, explaining that the decision to raise fuel prices was crucial to support the state's guarantee schemes and other developmental projects. He emphasised that, despite the increase, Karnataka's fuel prices remain lower than those in many other states.
Highlighting the internal conflicts within the Karnataka Congress, Malviya continued: "There is widespread discontent in Karnataka Congress after they fared poorly in Lok Sabha elections. Earlier, D. K. Shivkumar faction pulled in one direction, and now even the Lingayats in the Congress are upset after B. S. Yediyurappaji was targeted."
He urged Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to focus on the instability within the Karnataka government, suggesting the administration might be operating "on borrowed time."
"Khargeji should worry about the Congress Govt in Karnataka. It seems to be on borrowed time," he wrote.
The Congress-led Karnataka government increased the retail sales tax on fuels on Saturday, leading to a rise in petrol prices by Rs 3 and diesel by Rs 3.50. The new prices took effect immediately, surprising many vehicle owners.
Nithish K., Joint Secretary of the Finance Department of Karnataka, issued a notification for the immediate implementation of the new rates.