Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri recently launched a scathing attack on the Congress party over the hike in fuel prices in Karnataka. The verbal volley came amidst rising public discontent and political debate over the increasing cost of fuel in the state. Puri’s criticism is part of a broader narrative that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been weaving against the Congress, accusing them of poor governance and mismanagement.
The history of fuel price regulation in India is complex and politically charged. Traditionally, fuel prices were controlled by the government, with subsidies provided to cushion the impact of global oil price fluctuations on the Indian consumer. However, in 2010, the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government deregulated petrol prices, followed by the deregulation of diesel prices in 2014. This move was aimed at reducing the fiscal burden on the government and aligning domestic prices with international market rates. While this policy shift was lauded by economists for its long-term benefits, it also left fuel prices vulnerable to global market volatility, often becoming a flashpoint for political tussles.
In Karnataka, the issue has taken a particularly contentious turn. The Congress party, which is in power in the state, has faced severe backlash over the recent hike in fuel prices. Citizens have expressed their frustration through protests and social media campaigns, compelling the BJP to seize the opportunity to corner the ruling party. Hardeep Puri, taking the lead in this offensive, utilized the phrase ‘Khata Khat…’—a colloquial expression to mimic the sound of a cash register—to suggest that the Congress government is more interested in filling its coffers than alleviating public suffering.
Puri pointed out that despite a decrease in global crude oil prices, the state government had not passed on the benefits to consumers. Instead, it chose to increase taxes on fuel, exacerbating the financial strain on ordinary citizens who are already grappling with inflation. He argued that this move is indicative of the Congress’s prioritization of revenue generation over public welfare.
The Congress, in its defense, has attributed the price hike to the central government’s policies, arguing that the high base price of fuel set by the central authorities leaves little room for state-level adjustments. They also contend that the revenue from increased taxes is being used for developmental projects and social welfare schemes, which ultimately benefit the public.
This clash over fuel prices is likely to continue as both parties gear up for upcoming elections. The BJP aims to use this issue as a rallying cry to galvanize support, while the Congress will have to find ways to mitigate public outcry and justify its economic policies. As the debate rages on, the ultimate burden falls on the common man, who finds himself caught in the crossfire of political machinations.
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Tags: Fuel Price Hike, Karnataka Politics, Hardeep Singh Puri, Congress, BJP, Public Welfare, Economic Policies, Inflation, India
