Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (VP)

Mangaluru, Jun 19: Dr Y Bharath Shetty, MLA of Mangaluru north, criticized the Siddaramaiah-led government for the recent fuel price hike. He stated, "Siddaramaiah considers himself an economist, but today the economy of Karnataka is in danger."

Addressing the media on Wednesday, June 19, at the press club, Dr Bharath Shetty said, "The state government's approach of squeezing the citizens is in full swing. Consequently, the BJP is organizing a large protest. Congress leader Siddaramaiah sees himself as a capable economist, yet the state's economy is in disarray. There is no money for capital expenditures or even to pay salaries. The state government is showing inflated GSTP rates to secure loans. Tax collection across the state is at zero, crime rates are rising, and under Siddaramaiah's rule, society is on the brink of collapse."

He added, "Previously, Siddaramaiah spent hours criticizing the BJP when it implemented a price hike. Tomorrow, we are staging a major protest to demand the reversal of the price hike, and our fight will continue until our voices are heard. If our concerns are ignored, we will have to resort to other actions."

When the media questioned CM Siddaramaiah's claim that petrol prices in Karnataka are lower, Dr Bharath Shetty responded, "He compares prices only within South India, where all states are governed by INDI alliance parties. Siddaramaiah had much to say when the BJP raised prices by just one rupee, but now the Congress party has increased it by Rs 3, and I assure you, no developmental work has been done in Karnataka."

Regarding the question about lower petrol and diesel prices in Goa, Dr Bharath Shetty commented, "A budget reveals the expenses, but when false promises are made, it leads to major issues. The Congress party can issue a white paper, but what they announce is only implemented in speeches, not in reality."

Rajesh Kottary, Kishor Puttur, Sandeep Pachanady, Randeep Kavoor, and others were present at the press conference.