BJP hits back, says Modi previously slashed LPG rates, Congress hiked everything

Mandya/Bengaluru: Stepping up its offensive against the Congress govt in Karnataka, opposition BJP Tuesday countered allegations of price rise by the Centre by accusing the state of fuelling inflation through multiple hikes in essential services and commodities.
On the second day of the party's Janaakrosha Yatre, BJP state president BY Vijayendra led the charge, targeting the Siddaramaiah-led govt over "anti-people" decisions. He defended the central govt's decision to hike the price of domestic gas saying, "Even after the Rs 50 increase, [cylinder of LPG] now stands at Rs 850. In Aug 2023, it was reduced by Rs 200 to Rs 907," Vijayendra said. "The Union govt increased petrol and diesel prices by Rs 2 due to rising crude oil prices in the international market. But this burden wasn't passed on to people. If someone like Rahul Gandhi had become PM, a cylinder of LPG would have cost Rs 2,500."

The Yatre saw participation from thousands in Mandya, Hassan, Indi, and Ilkal.
Vijayendra accused the state govt of raising prices of 48 essential items. "Besides milk, they have increased prices of petrol, water, and diesel. They are even levying taxes on garbage. The price of milk has gone up by Rs 9. They have increased taxes on petrol and diesel by Rs 7.5," Vijayendra said.
Former minister CT Ravi also joined the attack, saying: "One-and-a-half years ago, a cylinder cost Rs 1,113. PM Narendra Modi reduced it by Rs 200 once, and again by Rs 100. Even with the latest Rs 50 increase, it is still Rs 250 cheaper overall."
Former MP Sumalatha Ambareesh said: "We kept hearing the word ‘free, free, free' for two years. Now, we have reached a point where schemes like Gruha Lakshmi and many other ‘bhagyas' are being forgotten."
Leader of the opposition R Ashoka added a communal tone: "Muslims receive immediate financial aid for weddings and even get reservation in govt contracts. But Hindus are given nothing."
The protest also saw sharp barbs directed at deputy CM DK Shivakumar over the Mekedatu project and alleged inaction due to "brotherhood" with Tamil Nadu CM Stalin.