Karnataka Congress leaders accused the central government of benefiting the rich while burdening the common citizens with increased taxes and hike in prices of essential commodities.The Karnataka Congress on Wednesday held a massive protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru, accusing the BJP-led central government of “anti-poor” policies.
Senior leaders, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, participated in the protest and accused the Centre of widening the gap between the rich and the poor.
Speaking at the protest, minister Krishna Byre Gowda launched a scathing attack on the BJP, alleging that their tenure has seen frequent price rise and tax hikes, which have adversely affected the common people. “The exploitation started as soon as the BJP came to power. The prices of essential commodities like diesel, petrol, LPG, oil, cement and even crops have shot up – some by as much as 100 per cent,” he said. Comparing tax regimes under different governments, Byre Gowda said the previous Congress government had levied a nominal tax of ₹3.40, while the current BJP regime has imposed a hefty cess of ₹25. He also highlighted the steep rise in the price of LPG cylinders, which according to him has risen from ₹400 to over ₹1,000. “This is nothing short of sucking the blood of the common people,” he said.The minister further claimed that the BJP’s tax policies favour the rich. He said, “While income tax rates for the rich have been reduced from 40% to 20%, ordinary citizens are facing increased taxes and rising costs.” Senior Congress leader Salim Ahmed led the protest, which was attended by several ministers and party workers. He said the demonstration was aimed at drawing attention to the Centre’s failure to control fuel and cooking gas prices, which has made daily life more difficult for people in the middle and lower income groups. However, the Congress’ criticism drew sharp reactions from the opposition. Union minister and JD(S) state president HD Kumaraswamy opposed the Congress statement and accused the Karnataka state government of imposing excessive burden on citizens through its tax policies. “For the last two years, this government has imposed taxes in many sectors, increasing the financial burden on the public. So we are raising our voice for relief,” he told reporters.
Kumaraswamy also defended the Centre against Congress’ allegations on rising fuel prices and claimed that the hike in petrol and LPG prices has not directly affected the public. “This burden is falling on the companies, not on the common man,” he said.
