Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, April 1: The Karnataka government is facing severe criticism from the BJP and other political leaders over its tax policies, price hikes, and reservation decisions, with the opposition accusing the state administration of burdening the public and undermining marginalised communities.

The BJP has accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of imposing taxes on virtually everything, leaving citizens to bear the financial strain. Speaking to the media on Tuesday in Bengaluru, BJP state president and MLA, B Y Vijayendra, lambasted the government for its policies, especially under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

"Since Siddaramaiah became the Chief Minister, in the past 20 months, his government has only guaranteed price hikes for the people. The government's decisions have caused significant hardships for the common man," Vijayendra remarked.

Vijayendra, in his address, claimed that ordinary citizens are bearing the brunt of increasing costs on essentials such as milk, electricity, water, petrol, diesel, stamp duty, and metro fares. "The government has continuously imposed price hikes," he alleged, highlighting how everyday costs have soared under the current regime.

To voice their dissent, the BJP has announced plans for two major protests. "Yesterday, senior party leaders held discussions and decided to go ahead with these protests. To protest against price hikes and the state government’s policies, we will hold an overnight protest on 2nd April at 11 am in Freedom Park. All BJP MLAs, MLCs, former MLAs, former MLCs, candidates who contested the Assembly elections, state office-bearers, district presidents, and party workers will participate in this large-scale protest," Vijayendra declared.

Further criticising the state government's handling of reservations, Vijayendra accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of allocating 4% reservation for Muslims in government projects, calling it unconstitutional and an insult to Hindus. "This move has only added fuel to the fire of communal division," he added.

Additionally, Vijayendra claimed that the state government diverted Rs 38,000 crore, originally reserved for the social and educational development of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), to fund other welfare schemes. "This decision is unjust to marginalised and oppressed communities," he said.

The BJP's stance on these issues was echoed by Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H D Kumaraswamy, who launched a scathing attack on the state government for its aggressive tax policies.

Referring to the government's decision to impose a cess on garbage from 1st April, Kumaraswamy compared the administration to historical invaders like Mahmud of Ghazni and Muhammad Ghori. "The government is sucking people's blood in the state! It has levied cess on garbage too," he expressed his outrage.

Kumaraswamy went further, labelling the Karnataka government a "Price-Demon" that is draining the resources of the people. "The state government tells a new lie every day and announces a price hike every month. This is the governance style of the Karnataka East India Congress Company Government! From today, the Congress Company Government has started imposing cess even on garbage," he lashed out.

The Union Minister also claimed that the government's use of its five guarantees was simply a cover for imposing price hikes with the real intention of plundering the people. "The government has been steadily destroying the once-prosperous Karnataka through its misgovernance," Kumaraswamy stated, labelling the administration as a "Price-Demon Congress Government."

Kumaraswamy highlighted several price hikes that have taken place across the state, including increases in water tariffs, metro fares, KSRTC bus tickets, milk prices, electricity charges, stamp duty, guidance value, excise duty, outpatient consultation fees in government hospitals, post-mortem examination charges, professional tax, and even the price of seeds for farmers.

"As if all this wasn't enough, from 1st April, the government has also imposed a Garbage Cess," he said, accusing the government of orchestrating a massive scam in the name of waste management.

The latest hikes include an increase of Rs 4 per litre in the price of milk and curd, while the power tariff has been raised by 36 paise per unit. The new garbage cess will also affect all citizens, adding to the financial burden faced by the common man.

In response to these issues, the BJP has announced a series of protests and agitations across the state. On April 7, the party will launch the ‘Janakrosha Yatra (People’s Anger March)’ from Mysuru, covering all districts.

"The yatra will commence from Chamundi Hill in Mysuru after seeking the blessings of Goddess Chamundeshwari, and will be led by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi," Vijayendra confirmed.

Meanwhile, Vijayendra also dismissed concerns raised by BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, stating, "Yatnal is free to make accusations and attacks. I am not bothered by them."

On a more positive note, Vijayendra took a moment to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr Shivakumara Swamiji, stating that devotees across the state and country were celebrating the event. "We honour Swamiji’s legacy by following the righteous path he showed us," Vijayendra concluded.