BJP accuses K’taka govt of earning Rs 6,000 crore through petrol VAT, misleading public by targeting Centre
Bengaluru: The BJP on Monday alleged that the Karnataka government was earning an additional Rs 6,000 crore annually through the hike in petrol taxes while blaming the Centre over rising fuel costs.
Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R. Ashoka, alleged that the state government had increased VAT on petrol and was misleading the public by targeting the Union government instead of reducing state taxes.
He claimed that petrol prices in Karnataka were significantly higher compared to several other states. “Petrol is priced at Rs 107.70 per litre in Karnataka, while it is around Rs 99.50 in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, Rs 99.10 in Gujarat, and Rs 99.70 in Haryana. The price increase is mainly due to the state government’s VAT hike,” he said.
Ashoka further alleged that the state government was earning an additional Rs 1.15 per litre from petrol sales and using the extra revenue to fund its guarantee schemes.
“If the government genuinely wants to help people, it should reduce state taxes. Otherwise, it should openly admit that it is collecting additional revenue from the public,” he said.
The BJP leader also criticised the Congress party for planning protests against fuel price hikes, calling it “a betrayal of the people.”
Referring to communal tensions in Karnataka, Ashoka accused the government of withdrawing cases against Muslims in the Aland communal violence case and alleged that such actions were encouraging extremist elements. He also referred to the recent tensions in Bhatkal over the demolition of a religious structure and demanded strict action against those involved.
He urged the government to conduct an impartial investigation and demanded the resignation of Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara, holding him morally responsible for the law and order situation.
Ashoka also attacked Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over the state’s financial condition, alleging that the government had increased taxes on multiple items while continuing to borrow heavily. He accused the government of imposing new garbage taxes and claimed that the state treasury was under severe strain.
On the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Ashoka defended the exercise, claiming it would help identify illegal Bangladeshi residents and ensure that only genuine voters remained on the electoral list.
He also alleged that ration cards were being cancelled to reduce expenditure on guarantee schemes and accused the state government of failing to release funds required for rice procurement from the Centre despite sufficient stock being available until June.
Commenting on the recent tragedy in Bhatkal in which several people drowned while collecting shellfish, Ashoka said authorities should provide proper guidance and safety instructions to those venturing into rivers and coastal areas for such activities.