D. K. Shivakumar has strongly criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party and the central government over rising fuel prices and inflation, stating that the increase in prices has placed a heavy financial burden on ordinary citizens across the country.
Speaking on the issue, Shivakumar said that higher fuel taxes imposed by the Centre are one of the major reasons behind inflation and the increasing cost of living. According to him, rising petrol and diesel prices directly affect transportation expenses, which in turn increase the prices of essential commodities and daily necessities.
He alleged that the price rise has negatively affected middle class families, farmers, workers, small traders, and people from economically weaker backgrounds. Shivakumar stated that the burden created by inflation is being felt across multiple sectors and has become a major concern for households.
At the same time, the Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister defended the Congress government’s guarantee schemes introduced in the state. He said these welfare measures are designed to provide relief to citizens facing economic difficulties. According to Shivakumar, the schemes are helping families manage household expenses and improving access to basic services.
The Congress government in Karnataka has implemented several welfare initiatives since coming to power. These schemes focus on providing financial assistance, free travel benefits for women, support for households, and subsidized services aimed at reducing the economic burden on citizens.
Shivakumar argued that while the central government is increasing taxes and contributing to inflation, the state government is attempting to balance the situation by offering welfare programs and public support schemes. He described the Congress guarantees as an effort to protect the interests of common people during a period of rising prices.
The BJP has previously defended fuel pricing policies by stating that global crude oil prices, international market conditions, transportation costs, and taxes imposed by both central and state governments influence retail fuel prices. BJP leaders have also argued that tax revenues are necessary for infrastructure development and welfare projects.
Political debates over inflation and fuel prices have intensified in recent years, with opposition parties repeatedly questioning the Centre over rising living costs. Fuel prices remain an important political issue because they affect transportation, agriculture, manufacturing, and the overall economy.
Economic experts note that fluctuations in fuel prices can have a wide impact on inflation levels. Diesel prices especially influence transportation and logistics costs, which eventually affect the prices of food items and consumer goods.
The statements made by Shivakumar are expected to further intensify political discussions between the Congress and the BJP over economic policies, inflation management, and welfare schemes ahead of upcoming political events and elections.