Pics: Nayana JC

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (NJC)

Mangaluru, Nov 12: District Mahila Congress Committee president S Appi defended the state government's decision to increase milk prices, stating that the hike was introduced in the interest of farmers and to strengthen the rural dairy sector.

Addressing a press conference at the Congress Bhavan in Mallikatte on Thursday, November 12, she criticised BJP leader and Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje for opposing the milk price hike, alleging that she had remained silent when the BJP-led Central government repeatedly increased the prices of essential commodities.

Appi said that the state government had increased bus fares to expand government bus services to rural areas and improve connectivity. Responding to allegations that the Congress government had become bankrupt due to its guarantee schemes, she pointed out that MLAs were regularly inaugurating development projects across constituencies. She questioned whether the funds for these projects were being brought from their homes, stating that the state government was financing the development works.

She accused Shobha Karandlaje of making misleading statements and criticised her for allegedly attempting to gain public applause through false claims rather than acknowledging the state's development initiatives.

Appi acknowledged that the milk price hike might cause some inconvenience to consumers but maintained that it was necessary in the interest of farmers. She also pointed out that milk prices in Karnataka were comparatively lower than in several other states and said opposing the increase outright was not justified.

Referring to rising prices of essential commodities, she said that a reduction in petrol and diesel prices would help bring down the cost of everyday goods. She also questioned the Centre's decision to impose GST on curd, alleging that Shobha Karandlaje had not raised her voice against it.

She further cited BSNL, which operates under the Central government, as an example of a loss-making public sector undertaking, questioning the Centre's efforts to revive it.

Appi urged people not to criticise every decision taken by the Congress government and called for support for its development initiatives. She also said that the Congress government had not resorted to police firing against those who took to the streets to protest.

The press conference was organised to respond to criticism of the state government's decisions and defend its policies, particularly the milk price revision.