Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP-led Central government for raising fuel prices, alleging they are “looting” the nation and its people. He highlighted that under Modi’s leadership, petrol and diesel prices have seen four consecutive hikes, making life challenging for the common populace. Siddaramaiah emphasized that the recent surge in fuel prices has hit the middle class hard, with petrol in Bengaluru reaching Rs 110.93 per liter and diesel at Rs 98.89 per liter.
Siddaramaiah pointed out the stark difference in fuel prices between the current scenario and the time of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He noted that petrol was priced at Rs 71.41 per liter and diesel at Rs 56.71 per liter in May 2014, significantly lower than the present rates. Despite global crude oil prices dropping, consumers are not benefiting, as the Central government continues to raise petrol and diesel prices, affecting various sectors of society.
Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala also criticized the BJP government for burdening the public with frequent tax and price hikes. Surjewala highlighted the rapid increase in petrol prices by Rs 7.20 in just 11 days through multiple increments. He further accused the government of escalating prices of commercial LPG cylinders, CNG, and PNG, impacting the daily lives of ordinary citizens. Surjewala alleged that the BJP government’s financial decisions were adversely affecting the common people nationwide.
