Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Apr 2: The Karnataka government on Tuesday announced an immediate hike of Rs 2 per litre in diesel prices, drawing sharp criticism from opposition parties BJP and JD(S).
Before the increase, diesel was priced at Rs 88.99 per litre in the state.
Union minister for heavy industries and steel H D Kumaraswamy condemned the move, calling it a burden on the people. “Another shock for the people of Karnataka from the anti-people price-hike demon government. The Karnataka Congress government has increased diesel prices by Rs 5 per litre in the last 10 months,” he stated.
On the occasion of Ugadi, a festival symbolizing new beginnings, Kumaraswamy accused the government of imposing fresh financial hardships on citizens. “As soon as people wake up in the morning, the Karnataka East India Congress Company slaps them with loot. This Congress company government has neither vision nor compassion. There is no option left for the people but to take to the streets in protest against this ruthless exploitation,” he said.
BJP state president B Y Vijayendra also criticized the decision, calling it another blow to the common man. “The Siddaramaiah government has once again unleashed its insatiable greed, hiking diesel prices by Rs 2 per litre—a move that will further cripple the common man,” he said.
“The poor, the elderly, farmers, and salaried workers—all are suffering under the relentless hammer of this government’s anti-people policies. Every new decision squeezes them further, leaving them with no relief, no support, only pain,” he added.
“We will not stop until these inhumane price hikes are rolled back. Karnataka deserves better—this exploitation must end,” he stated.
The hike in diesel prices comes on a day when revised power tariffs and an increase in milk prices by Rs 4 per litre have also come into effect. The last-minute notification of the diesel price hike has further intensified public discontent.