Daijiworld Media Network - Mysuru
Mysuru, April 8: Karnataka BJP president and MLA B Y Vijayendra has sharply criticised Congress party leaders over the recent hike in LPG cylinder prices, claiming that if someone like Rahul Gandhi had become the prime minister, the price of an LPG cylinder would have reached Rs 2,500, rather than the current Rs 850.
Vijayendra’s remarks came in response to criticism from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and other Congress leaders regarding the increase in LPG prices.
Speaking to the media in Mysuru on Tuesday, Vijayendra said, "Even with the recent Rs 50 increase, the price of an LPG cylinder now stands at Rs 850. In August 2023, it was reduced by Rs 200 to Rs 907. The Central government has raised the prices of petrol and diesel by Rs 2 due to the increase in international crude oil prices, but the burden hasn’t been passed on to the common people."
He went on to say, “It was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who launched the Ujjwala scheme, allowing even the poorest people living in huts to access LPG. In March 2023, the price of a gas cylinder was Rs 1,107. If someone like Rahul Gandhi had become the Prime Minister, the cylinder price would have been Rs 2,500.”
Vijayendra continued his criticism, turning his attention to the state government’s handling of essential commodities. "The Central government has made decisions on petrol, diesel, and gas cylinder prices based on rising international crude prices. But isn't it the state government that raised milk prices? Aren’t you taxing garbage? Haven’t you increased water charges? Are you importing milk from the international market?" he questioned.
The BJP leader also took aim at the Karnataka government’s track record of increasing prices. He said, "The government led by CM Siddaramaiah in the state has raised the prices of 48 essential commodities. It seems that CM Siddaramaiah has formed an expert committee solely for hiking prices."
Vijayendra added that no other state government has burdened its people in this manner, claiming, “In Karnataka, the Congress and Siddaramaiah are doing just that.”
Further criticising the government, Vijayendra remarked, “This government has no direction. They’ve raised the prices of petrol, water, and diesel. They’re even levying taxes on garbage. The price of milk has gone up by Rs 9, and petrol and diesel taxes have been increased by Rs 7.50.”
Vijayendra then turned the focus back to the central government, asking, “Who is burdening the people by increasing the prices of 48 essential goods—Siddaramaiah or PM Modi? You tell me.”
He also noted that while the central government had increased excise duties on petrol and diesel, it had not passed the burden onto the people. Instead, the cost was being borne by the companies, as confirmed by central ministers.
In his concluding remarks, Vijayendra highlighted the state’s poor financial management, saying, “The police department was supposed to receive salaries on the 1st of the month, but even by the 7th, they have not been paid. Teachers and other government employees have not received their salaries either. This is a clear indicator of the state’s financial mismanagement.”
Vijayendra’s comments reflect ongoing tensions between the BJP and Congress, with both parties accusing each other of mismanagement and failing to address the concerns of the common people.