Union Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy raised concerns about the rising tax burden on people in Karnataka. Speaking to the media, he said that for the past two years, citizens have been facing higher costs due to increased taxes in many areas.
He pointed out that these tax hikes are making daily life more difficult for the common man and called for the government to provide relief.
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“The government is putting pressure on the common man by raising taxes in multiple sectors. That’s why we are protesting and demanding relief for the people,” Kumaraswamy said.
The Minister also spoke about fuel and cooking gas prices. Some have blamed rising petrol and LPG costs for adding to the burden, but he said that recent increases are not directly affecting the public as much as believed. Defending the centre, he explained that companies are absorbing part of the cost and that the current prices are still lower than they were a few years ago.
He added that a gas cylinder that once cost Rs. 1,240 now costs around Rs. 850, even after a recent Rs. 50 hike.
Separately, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah commented on rising prices of essential goods like petrol, diesel, LPG, and milk.
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“Who raised the prices of petrol, diesel, and LPG cylinders? It’s the BJP and the Narendra Modi government. They are directly responsible for the increase in the cost of essential goods,” Siddaramaiah said while speaking at the Belagavi airport.
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Siddaramaiah also pointed out that global crude oil prices have dropped significantly, yet fuel prices in India remain high. He compared current prices with those during the UPA government under Dr. Manmohan Singh, when crude oil was $120 per barrel.
“Now crude oil is around $55 per barrel. Why are fuel prices still high? The central government should answer that,” he said.
The rising cost of living remains a major concern for people across the state, and many are hoping the government will take steps to ease their financial burden.
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