‘Centre Hikes Fuel Prices, But Questions States on Reducing Them’: CM Siddaramaiah Slams BJP Government
Bengaluru, May 21: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Central Government over the rising prices of petrol, diesel and LPG cylinders, questioning why state governments are repeatedly asked to reduce prices while the Centre continues to increase fuel rates.
Speaking to reporters near Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah criticised the Narendra Modi-led government over the steady increase in fuel prices since coming to power.
‘Centre Increases Prices, States Asked to Reduce’
Responding to questions on fuel price hikes, Siddaramaiah said: “Whenever the Centre increases petrol and diesel prices, questions are asked about why states are not reducing prices. But nobody questions the Centre over repeated hikes.”
He accused the BJP-led Union Government of burdening common people through continuous increases in fuel and cooking gas prices.
Comparison With Manmohan Singh Government
The Chief Minister compared fuel prices during the UPA government led by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with current prices under the Narendra Modi government.
Siddaramaiah said:
- Petrol price during Manmohan Singh’s tenure was around ₹70 per litre
- Diesel price was around ₹48–49 per litre
- LPG cylinder price was around ₹414–450
He questioned the sharp rise in prices under the present regime and asked: “Now look at how much LPG prices have increased. Who is responsible for this?”
CM Targets BJP Over Inflation
The Karnataka Chief Minister further alleged that the BJP government at the Centre is responsible for inflation and rising living costs across the country.
He said opposition parties and media often question state governments over fuel prices, but avoid questioning the Centre regarding repeated hikes in petrol, diesel and cooking gas prices.
Siddaramaiah’s remarks come amid growing political debate over rising fuel costs and inflation across the country.
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