The Congress heavily criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Central Government for impending price hikes set to kick in on April 1. A joint press conference held in Bengaluru by AICC general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala and Karnataka deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar labeled the new fiscal year as a day of exploitation for hardworking citizens. Surjewala condemned the government for burdening the people with toll taxes and fare increases, amounting to nearly Rs 23,000 crore collected from Karnataka since 2019.
Surjewala highlighted that starting April 1, toll taxes will surge by 5%, adding around Rs 250 crore in expenses for Karnataka residents. He specifically mentioned the Bengaluru–Mysuru highway, where toll collections have already reached about Rs 900 crore since 2023. Moreover, he accused the Centre and the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority of raising ceiling prices for over 900 essential drugs, including critical medications for diabetes, hypertension, and infectious diseases.
The Congress leader criticized the government for profiteering from people’s suffering, citing price hikes on essential medicines and medical devices. Surjewala pointed out the consistent imposition of 12% GST on essential drugs, despite calls for exemption. He emphasized that every April 1 has witnessed a rise in medicine prices, with the upcoming 2026 hike affecting over 900 essential drug formulations.
DK Shivakumar highlighted the escalating input costs across various sectors, such as a significant surge in plastic goods prices and the rise in prices of key petrochemical by-products. He mentioned the increase in steel prices and forecasted hikes in cement prices. Additionally, he pointed out the impact of rising fuel, gas, and passenger costs, including increased airfares, domestic LPG prices, and fuel surcharges introduced by airlines.
