CM Siddaramaiah challenges BJP to stage demo against Centre over injustice to Karnataka
fuel price hike, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday challenged the party to organise demonstrations against the Centre over «injustice» to the State. Petrol prices have gone up by Rs three per litre and diesel by Rs 3.5 per litre following the Karnataka government's decision to increase the sales tax on them on Saturday.
The Chief Minister alleged that the State faced injustice by the BJP-led NDA government in its share of central funds and GST devolution and in matters relating to release of funds for State projects and dared the BJP to hold protests over this.
Siddaramaiah said the crude oil prices were ruling at USD 113 per barrel at some stage during the tenure of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh but presently, it is at USD 82.35. In 2015, the crude oil price was USD 52 per barrel, which decreased further in the next year, he claimed.
«During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure, crude oil prices reduced but petrol prices went up. So, against whom should the BJP leaders' fight be?» Siddaramaiah sought to know.
When Manmohan Singh was the Prime Minister, a refill LPG cylinder was costing Rs 410. It went up to over Rs 1,000 during the NDA regime. Even after it was brought down, it is still Rs 805.50, he pointed out.
«Who increased the refill gas cylinder from Rs 410 to Rs 805.50 despite reduction in crude oil prices? If they have concern for poor people, let them stage demonstrations against the Centre,» Siddaramaiah said.
After the Centre introduced GST, the state government «lost the
