Bengaluru, May 15 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday strongly criticised the Centre over the recent hike in petrol and diesel prices, accusing the PM Modi-led government of burdening ordinary citizens to cover up its economic failures.​

In a press statement, Siddaramaiah described the Rs 3 per litre increase in fuel prices as an “anti-people decision” and alleged that it would severely impact the daily lives of common citizens.​

“The PM Modi government has once again punished the people for its own failures by increasing petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3 per litre. This is not just a price hike; it is another direct attack on the daily life of ordinary Indians,” he said.​

The Chief Minister alleged that the Centre’s failed foreign policy, poor economic management, and inability to control inflation had shifted the burden onto citizens.​

Referring to fuel prices in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said petrol had crossed Rs 106 per litre while diesel was nearing Rs 94 per litre.​

He warned that the hike would trigger a rise in transportation costs and prices of essential commodities.​

“This increase will affect vegetable prices, grocery bills, milk prices, construction costs, school van fees, taxi and auto fares, farm input costs, and almost every essential commodity. Farmers, workers, small traders, women managing household budgets, and the middle class will be hit the hardest,” he stated.​

The Chief Minister further accused the Centre of collecting huge taxes during periods when crude oil prices were low without passing on the benefits to consumers.​

“When crude oil prices were low, the PM Modi government never gave full relief to the people. It collected huge taxes and filled its treasury. But when prices rise, the burden is immediately transferred to citizens. This is not governance; this is exploitation,” Siddaramaiah alleged.​

He also accused the Centre of failing to control inflation, protect the rupee, and manage the economy effectively.​

Siddaramaiah further remarked that PM Modi showed greater urgency in protecting “capitalist friends” than in protecting ordinary citizens.​

Strongly condemning the fuel price hike, the Chief Minister demanded an immediate rollback of the Rs 3 per litre increase in petrol and diesel prices.​

“For repeatedly failing the people, mismanaging the economy, and pushing ordinary families into deeper hardship, PM Modi must take responsibility and resign,” Siddaramaiah said.​

–IANS

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