Karnataka Government Faces Backlash Over Fuel Tax Hike

Politics in Karnataka is boiling over the recent fuel price hike, with the BJP leading a bullock cart protest in Bengaluru against the Siddaramaiah government. The BJP is demanding an immediate rollback of the hike in sales tax on petrol and diesel, citing the financial strain on the common people. The Karnataka government, under fire, defended the move by stating that fuel prices in Karnataka remain lower compared to other states. The recent increase has raised petrol prices by ₹3 per litre, bringing the rate in Bengaluru to ₹102.84, and diesel by ₹3.02 per litre, now costing ₹88.95. As the political tussle continues, the aam aadmi is bearing the brunt of the price hike. Sources indicate that the increase is aimed at resource mobilization in the state to fund the Congress government's promised five guarantees. This hike follows the Lok Sabha poll results where the Congress won nine out of 28 seats. Amidst the protests and political rhetoric, Anagha Kesav from India Today provides an on-ground report, capturing the public's reaction and the ongoing debate over the fuel price hike.