Hours after the Karnataka government raised the sales tax on fuel, BJP state unit president B.Y. Vijayendra announced plans for a statewide protest on Monday (June 17) against the decision, which resulted in higher petrol and diesel prices.
Addressing the media, the BJP state president stated, “We urge the Chief Minister to withdraw this decision immediately. Tomorrow, we have organized protests across the state, and we will not stay silent until the hike is reversed.”
He emphasized that protests would take place at all district headquarters.
Vijayendra also criticized the Chief Minister, alleging that the increase in fuel prices was due to the government’s inability to initiate new programs under its five guarantees. He said, “After the Lok Sabha elections, they (the Congress government) have increased fuel prices. This will impact all sections of people across the state.”
The Karnataka government’s decision to raise the sales tax on Saturday resulted in a Rs 3 per litre increase in petrol prices and a Rs 3.5 per litre increase in diesel prices.
Officials clarified that the hike was aimed at mobilizing resources and was implemented after the Karnataka Chief Minister reviewed the state’s revenue generation and fiscal situation.
Furthermore, the fuel price hike followed the conclusion of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where the NDA secured 19 out of 28 seats in Karnataka, reducing the ruling Congress to nine seats in the state.