Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi criticized the Karnataka government for its recent decisions on electric vehicles (EVs). Joshi, in a video statement, expressed disappointment over the withdrawal of tax exemptions and the introduction of lifetime road tax on EVs, calling it a backward step from reforms that would burden the middle class financially. He questioned the state’s shift away from clean energy initiatives while the rest of the country and the world are moving towards sustainable solutions.
The minister highlighted that Karnataka’s policy change marks a significant reversal in its approach to EVs. He raised concerns that the state, unlike others promoting EV adoption through incentives, is discouraging the use of green energy alternatives. Joshi warned that the new measures could increase the cost and reduce accessibility of electric vehicles, particularly impacting the middle class and potentially slowing down EV adoption in the state.
Joshi criticized the Congress-led government, accusing it of moving away from clean transportation models and adopting what he termed as regressive policies against the people, innovation, and technology. He alleged that the state’s focus on revenue generation is overshadowing sustainable development goals, linking the lifetime tax imposition to financial motives. The minister claimed that by making EVs less affordable, the government indirectly promotes diesel and petrol usage to address financial challenges, potentially hindering long-term environmental objectives.
Expressing his disappointment with Karnataka’s actions, Joshi emphasized the nationwide shift towards sustainable energy solutions and warned that the state’s policies could undermine environmental progress. He urged the Congress government in Karnataka to reconsider its stance, cautioning that such measures might obstruct the vision of a sustainable future.
