Bengaluru:
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Congress leader D.K. Shivakumar launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the rising cost of living, urging the opposition party to take out a protest march against the Central Government for failing to control inflation.
Speaking to the media, Shivakumar pointed out the continued increase in prices of petrol, diesel, LPG cylinders, and essential commodities, stating that the people of India are facing immense financial burden due to the Centre’s policies. He accused the BJP-led Union Government of being indifferent to the struggles of the common man.
"Instead of protesting against the Karnataka state government, the BJP should take a march to Delhi and ask the Central Government why the prices are skyrocketing,” Shivakumar said. He further noted that the state's hands are tied on fuel pricing, which is regulated at the national level.
The Congress leader also dismissed recent protests organized by the BJP in Karnataka against local governance, calling them “diversion tactics” to shift attention from the Centre’s economic failures. He stressed that issues such as unemployment, inflation, and stagnant wages deserve national-level attention and protest.
Shivakumar’s comments come at a time when fuel prices have been steadily climbing, affecting transportation costs and contributing to inflation across sectors. The Opposition in several states has been vocal about the economic pressure on the public, especially after recent revisions in cooking gas and diesel prices.
He added that the Karnataka government is doing its best to provide relief through state schemes, but emphasized that structural changes and price control must come from the Centre.
Political analysts say the statement is part of Congress’s broader strategy to highlight national economic issues ahead of upcoming elections, turning public focus toward policies of the Modi-led government.
The BJP has yet to issue an official response to Shivakumar’s remarks.
