Petrol-Diesel Price Hike Triggers Political War in Karnataka; Siddaramaiah Demands PM Modi’s Resignation
Bengaluru: The sharp increase in petrol and diesel prices has triggered a fierce political battle in Karnataka, with Congress and BJP leaders engaging in a war of words over inflation, fuel pricing and economic management.
As fuel prices continue rising alongside other essential commodities, opposition leaders have intensified criticism against the Central Government, accusing it of burdening common citizens with repeated price hikes.
Siddaramaiah Demands PM Modi’s Resignation
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah strongly criticised the fuel price hike and demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resignation, calling the decision “anti-people”.
Condemning the increase of nearly ₹3 in petrol and diesel prices, Siddaramaiah alleged that the Centre deliberately postponed the hike until after elections.
“This fuel price increase will severely impact the lives of ordinary people. The Prime Minister must take responsibility and resign,” Siddaramaiah reportedly said.
He also demanded immediate rollback of the revised fuel prices.
DK Shivakumar Says Hike Was Expected After Elections
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the Congress had anticipated fuel price hikes immediately after elections.
“We knew prices would go up after the elections. Petrol and diesel price hikes directly affect people’s lives,” he said.
DK Shivakumar further alleged that India’s international relationships and economic policies under the Modi government had failed to protect citizens from rising fuel costs.
Congress Leaders Attack Centre Over Inflation
Several Congress leaders accused the BJP-led Centre of pushing citizens into financial distress through continuous increases in fuel and essential commodity prices.
They argued that rising diesel prices would directly impact transportation, agriculture and food inflation across the country.
Senior Congress MLA T.B. Jayachandra, however, partially supported Prime Minister Modi’s appeal for fuel conservation, stating that responsible use of national resources was everyone’s duty.
MB Patil Cuts Convoy Vehicle
Karnataka Minister M.B. Patil said he had already reduced one of his escort vehicles following the Prime Minister’s appeal regarding fuel conservation and economic discipline.
At the same time, he criticised the overall economic situation, alleging that the country was facing severe financial stress.
BJP Defends Fuel Price Revision
The Karnataka BJP defended the fuel price increase, arguing that despite global crude oil volatility, fuel prices in India remained lower compared to several other countries.
Former MP Pratap Simha hit back at Congress leaders, accusing the Karnataka Government itself of burdening citizens with massive debt.
“You have imposed loans worth lakhs of crores on the people of Karnataka and even on future generations. How can you lecture Prime Minister Modi on economics?” he questioned.
Debate Over Modi’s Foreign Visits
Congress leader Priyank Kharge also criticised Prime Minister Modi’s foreign visits, questioning the direct benefits of such diplomatic tours for common citizens facing inflation.
The criticism came even as Modi’s recent UAE visit resulted in multiple strategic agreements, including:
- Investment commitments worth billions of dollars
- Defence and military cooperation agreements
- Long-term LPG supply arrangements
- Support for emergency crude oil storage
Despite these agreements, Congress leaders alleged that the Centre had failed to translate international partnerships into relief for common people.
BJP Leaders Adopting Fuel-Saving Measures
Meanwhile, BJP leaders defended the Centre’s appeal for fuel conservation and claimed they were personally adopting austerity measures.
Union Minister V. Somanna reportedly reduced convoy vehicles, while BJP MLA Shrivatsa switched from a diesel vehicle to an electric vehicle and scooter.
Opposition Continues Criticism
Opposition parties across India have continued attacking the fuel price hike.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay also criticised the increase, adding to the growing political pressure over rising inflation and fuel costs across the country.
About the Author
