Hinting at the state government’s stance on petrol and diesel taxes, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized the media for spotlighting state taxation policies while the Centre raises fuel prices significantly. Responding to reporters’ queries, Siddaramaiah questioned why the media doesn’t hold the Centre accountable for fuel price hikes instead of pressuring the state to reduce taxes. When asked about the state’s own tax increases on fuel, he redirected the questioning to those responsible for the initial price hikes.
Siddaramaiah drew a comparison between current fuel prices and those during the tenures of Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh and Narendra Modi. He highlighted the surge in diesel and petrol prices since Modi assumed office, contrasting them with the rates during Singh’s tenure. The Chief Minister emphasized the need to question who is responsible for the escalated prices of essential fuels and commodities.
In response to queries about providing relief to citizens affected by the fuel price surge, Siddaramaiah chose not to comment and left the interaction. Later, he led an Anti-Terrorism Day pledge ceremony at the Vidhana Soudha conference hall, with Home Minister G. Parameshwara, Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, and senior officials participating in the event. During the ceremony, Siddaramaiah emphasized the importance of opposing terrorism and violence while promoting peace, social harmony, and unity in society.
