Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (NJC)
Mangaluru, Nov 11: Dakshina Kannada District Congress Committee president Padmaraj R Poojary accused the BJP of misleading the public through protests and false propaganda against the Congress-led Karnataka government. Addressing a press conference at the Congress Bhavan in Mallikatte on Wednesday, he said the Congress would counter the BJP's allegations through press meets and public awareness programmes across the district.
Poojary said the recent increase in milk prices was aimed at protecting farmers and strengthening the dairy sector. He pointed out that the matter had been discussed in the Assembly and that the decision was taken keeping the interests of milk producers in mind. The additional amount, he said, would directly benefit milk producers and help sustain dairy cooperatives.
Criticising the BJP's opposition to the hike, he said BJP leaders were questioning the government's decision without acknowledging the challenges faced by farmers and the dairy industry.
On the increase in bus fares, Poojary referred to rising fuel prices and the financial condition of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). He said KSRTC continued to maintain high standards in passenger services and facilities despite financial challenges. Referring to its financial position, he claimed that the corporation's debt had declined from 5,800 cr in 2023, when the BJP was in power in Karnataka, to 5,300 cr.
Questioning the Centre's distribution of GST revenue, Poojary said Karnataka was the second-highest GST-contributing state in the country after Maharashtra. However, he alleged that the state was receiving only 14 in return for every 100 contributed. He questioned whether Karnataka was receiving its rightful share and said the state's Members of Parliament should raise the issue before the Centre.
He also highlighted the impact of international crude oil prices on the cost of living, stating that increases in fuel prices affected essential commodities and construction materials, including iron and cement. Referring to historical crude oil prices, he said international rates had reached around USD 147 per barrel during the Congress-led UPA government, while petrol and diesel prices remained below 62 per litre. He further pointed out that crude oil prices had fallen to around USD 23 per barrel during the COVID-19 pandemic, but domestic fuel prices had not fallen below 70 per litre.
He added that before the recent Iran conflict, international crude oil prices were trading between USD 58 and USD 70 per barrel, and questioned the impact of these fluctuations on consumers in India.
Poojary also raised concerns over the delay in local body elections, including gram panchayat elections. He said elected local bodies were important for ensuring the direct flow of funds and strengthening grassroots governance. He maintained that the Congress government was committed to conducting elections and reconstituting local bodies, adding that the process was awaiting the issuance of an official circular.
He further criticised the functioning of sections of the national media, alleging political bias and pointing to the role of social media, students and various organisations in raising concerns about issues affecting democracy and the Constitution.
Poojary said the Congress would organise press conferences and public awareness campaigns at district, block and gram panchayat levels to counter what he described as misleading propaganda by the BJP. He added that the party would continue to raise issues concerning Karnataka's interests, farmers, public transport and the rights of the state.