Congress to protest fuel, essentials price hike in Karnataka; MLC Ivan D’Souza hits back at BJP’s Janaakrosha Yatre

Deepthi Sanjiv / TNN / Apr 15, 2025, 14:21 IST

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MLC Ivan D’Souza announced that the Congress party will stage protests against the central NDA government over rising fuel and commodity prices, starting with Bengaluru on April 17 and followed by Mangaluru and Udupi on April 22.

Congress to protest fuel, essentials price hike in Karnataka; MLC Ivan D’Souza hits back at BJP’s Janaakrosha Yatre

MLC Ivan D’Souza announced that the Congress party will stage protests against the central NDA government over rising fuel and commodity prices

MANGALURU: In response to the BJP’s ongoing Janaakrosha Yatre against the Congress-led state government, MLC Ivan D’Souza on Tuesday said that the Congress will stage protests targeting the NDA government at the Centre over the rising prices of fuel and essential commodities.
D’Souza told reporters that the protests will be held in Bengaluru on April 17, followed by demonstrations in Mangaluru and Udupi on April 22. Similar protests will be organised across all districts.
He criticised the BJP for staging protests merely to stay politically relevant in the state. “Instead of blaming the state govt, they should protest against the Centre for hiking the prices of petrol, diesel, and LPG, which led to a spike in the cost of essential goods,�?he said.
D’Souza urged the Centre to reduce the cess on petrol and diesel, adding that the state budget has not imposed any new burden on the people. “While the state gives Rs 2,000 to women under the guarantee scheme, the Centre takes it back by increasing LPG prices,�?he said.

Challenging BJP leaders to an open debate on the issue, D’Souza demanded a white paper outlining who is truly responsible for the price rise as well as the Jandhan scheme.
Caste Census: ‘BJP Must Clarify Its Stand�?/span>
D’Souza also called on the BJP to clarify its position on the caste census. “The state cabinet accepted the report and it will be discussed in detail on April 17. Why is the BJP now opposing the report, when it was their govt that appointed Jayaprakash Hegde as the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes?�?he questioned.
He said that 5.90 crore people out of the state’s 6.38 crore population were covered in the survey. “Yet, BJP MLAs claim their homes were left out. The BJP is afraid that the survey will expose the real social and educational conditions of the people, which may not work in their favour. They can check with the deputy commissioner regarding the data documents,�?he said.
Murder of Autorickshaw Driver Condemned
D’Souza strongly condemned the murder of autorickshaw driver Mohammed Sharief and praised the Kerala and Karnataka police for swiftly arresting the accused. He urged the state government to provide financial assistance to the deceased’s family and ensure safety measures for autorickshaw drivers who work during the night.

About the Author

Deepthi Sanjiv

Deputy Chief of Bureau at TOI, Mangaluru. Writes on crime, environment, health, politics, education, civic issues, art & culture and human interest stories.

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