Pics: Adithya Aithal
Daijiworld Media Network – Kaup (JD)
Kaup, Apr 24: “I congratulate BJP state president B Y Vijayendra and his team for having the courage to protest against their own central government's anti-people policies,” remarked Congress leader Sudheer Kumar Maroli, taking a dig at the BJP while addressing a protest rally organised by Kaup block Congress.
The protest was held against the Centre’s rising fuel and gold prices and the proposed amendment to the Wakf Act. The rally began from Sri Lakshmi Janardhana Temple and culminated at the Kaup bus stand.
“The Congress believes in feeding the poor, whereas the BJP’s agenda is to exploit the people,” Maroli said. Criticising the Centre’s economic policies, he added, “It took the Congress 60 years to bring petrol to Rs 60, but the BJP pushed it to Rs 100 within just 10 years. The price of gold is skyrocketing. Boys from coastal and Malnad regions are already facing difficulties finding brides. Now, even if they find one, they cannot afford gold jewellery.”
Predicting further inflation, he claimed, “By June 5, the price of 10 grams of gold will touch Rs 1.07 lakh. This is based on facts and figures.”
Maroli also criticised the government for failing to ensure security in Pahalgam despite the presence of thousands of tourists daily. “Why were there no preventive measures taken?” he asked, referring to the recent terror attack in the region.
Taking a jibe at the BJP’s cultural narratives, he said, “BJP only gave this nation the halal-hijab debate. There was never any controversy regarding the Wakf Act in coastal or Malnad Karnataka. One kilogram of wheat, which cost Rs 18 during Congress rule, now costs Rs 58 under BJP.”
Highlighting the success of the Congress-led state government, he said, “The five guarantees have been implemented effectively. I challenge BJP MLAs to publicly ask their own party workers if they are availing of the schemes.”
He also defended former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, saying, “He was ridiculed as ‘Maun Mohan Singh’, but in his 104th press conference, he said history would judge him kindly—and it has. We were fortunate to have a prime minister like him.”
Maroli concluded by stating, “Those calling the five guarantees freebies are insulting the mothers, sisters, and daughters of this country. The BJP and RSS are two sides of the same coin. While RSS members claim to prefer Congress over BJP, it is only to deceive.”
Sorake hits out at BJP’s economic policies
Former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake said, “On the very day the Congress launched its Janakrosha rally, the Centre hiked LPG and fuel prices. Karnataka contributes significantly to the GST pool, yet the funds are diverted to BJP-ruled states. Our MPs remain silent.”
He further added, “Each household in the state is receiving benefits worth Rs 60,000 annually under the Congress government. Meanwhile, 60% of the nation’s wealth lies with the top 1%.”
Condemning the action against Congress leaders, he said, “Sonia Gandhi sacrificed the PM post for Manmohan Singh. Now, the ED is filing chargesheets against such individuals—it is unacceptable.”
Congress district president Ashok Kumar Kodavoor, former Byndoor MLA Gopal Poojary, Karkala Congress leader Muniyal Uday Kumar Shetty, Prasadraj Kanchan, block Congress president Ramesh Kanchan, and leaders Kishan Hegde Kolkebailu, Harish Kini and others were present during the protest.