Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Aug 7: BJP MLA Vedavyas Kamath has strongly criticised the Karnataka Congress government for "burdening electricity consumers with pension and gratuity payments meant for employees of power supply corporations."

Slamming the government, Kamath said, “Instead of rectifying its mistake, the state government is trying to cover it up by issuing immature statements like ‘the decision was taken by the previous government.’ This only exposes them further in front of the public.”

He said the BJP government had never collected a single rupee in the name of pension or gratuity from electricity bills during its term. “But the present Congress government is looting the people. Every citizen can check their electricity bill to verify this. If there is any doubt, even Congress leaders can check their own bills and apologise publicly for misleading the people,” Kamath added.

“If this was indeed a BJP government decision, then why did the Congress government repeal the cow slaughter ban — which was introduced during our tenure — citing vote bank politics? Show your strength and repeal this pension levy too,” he challenged.

Kamath emphasised that pensions and gratuity must be given to employees for their dedicated service, but the burden should be borne by the state exchequer, not by extracting money from the public.

He further pointed out that the High Court itself has questioned the government on why a smart meter, which was earlier priced at Rs 900, is now being supplied for Rs 10,000. “Even those receiving free electricity are being looted in the name of extra security deposits. What is the use of giving benefits with one hand and taking them back with the other?” he questioned.

Kamath also highlighted the growing distress due to load shedding, affecting the public, farmers, industries, and students across the state.

Addressing local issues, Kamath said the red stone and sand crisis in Dakshina Kannada has worsened, yet the Congress government has not responded. “Despite BJP-led protests in every constituency and a district delegation submitting a request to the chief minister, no action has been taken. The government has completely ignored the people of Dakshina Kannada. Labourers are left jobless and starving. The government must act immediately and bring a law to provide relief to the public,” he demanded.

BJP leaders Ramesh Kandettu, Ramesh Hegde, Lallesh Kumar, Sanjay Prabhu, and Muruli Hosamajalu were present.