Karnataka government hikes fuel prices, BJP attacks ruling coalition

Following the hike, retail prices of petrol and diesel in the state now stand at Rs 70.84 and Rs 64.66 per litre, reports said.

“In the last two and half months there has been a continuous fall in crude oil prices in the International market. As a result the base price of petrol and diesel have come down substantially, causing an adverse impact on the state’s revenue collections,” the Karnataka government said in a statement as reported by LiveMint.

This is the third change in petrol and diesel tax rates since the new government came to power in the state last year.

H.D.Kumaraswamy, the Janata Dal (Secular) leader, became Karnataka CM last year in May.

The hike will leave the Congress party's attacks on the fuel prices issue against the BJP-led government at the Centre blunt.

The Congress had repeatedly attacked the Centre in the past over the issue.

BJP attacks:

BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa slammed the government over the issue and asked whether it was planning to 'loot' people.

"Tax rates on Petrol and Diesel have been revised to 32% and 21% from 28.75% and 17.73%, respectively, today. Does the state government plan to loot the public in coalition? @hd_kumaraswamy," the former Karnataka CM tweeted.

Rahul Gandhi and his past attacks:

Congress president Rahul Gandhi had earlier targeted the Centre numerous times over the issue of increasing fuel prices.

Gandhi last year had tweeted: "The BJP Govt. collected 10 Lakh Crore in taxes on Petrol/LPG/Diesel since 2014. Yet, NO relief in prices for our citizens. This video shows the truth about fuel prices under PM Modi.I will lead a protest against these prices in Kolar at Noon, today.#BJPReducePetrolPrices"

In another tweet, he had said in 2018: "Dear PM, Glad to see you accept the @imVkohli fitness challenge. Here’s one from me:Reduce Fuel prices or the Congress will do a nationwide agitation and force you to do so. I look forward to your response.#FuelChallenge."

Image: HD Kumaraswamy Twitter