Priyanka Tiwari
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The Congress-led government in Karnataka, which swept to power in May 2023 with a strong mandate and five key welfare guarantees, now finds itself amid growing public anger over widespread price hikes. Citizens across the state are grappling with increased costs in essential services, triggering a wave of protests led by opposition parties and civic groups.
Price Hikes Across Key Sectors
Since taking office, the Karnataka government has presided over increases in:
Diesel and electricity rates
BMRCL Metro fares (hiked up to 71%)
BMTC bus fares
Milk prices and water bills
Garbage collection fees
Private school academic and transport fees
These cost escalations have intensified the burden on the poor and middle class, already strained by national-level inflation and central price hikes in LPG and toll charges.
Rising Inflation in Karnataka
As per the Union Ministry of Statistics, the CPI-based inflation in Karnataka rose to 4.49% in February 2025, compared to the national average of 3.61%.
The data further fuels criticism of the state government's economic management.
Political Protests Erupt Across the State
BJP’s Janakrosha Rally
Led by BJP state president B Y Vijayendra, the party has launched a 16-day ‘Janakrosha’ (public anger) rally.
The protest targets:
Price hikes
Reservation for Muslims in tenders under Rs 2 crore
Alleged misgovernance and corruption
Vijayendra quipped that the Congress has implemented a “price hike guarantee” instead of welfare promises.
Congress Counter-Protest
In response, the Congress has scheduled a statewide protest on April 17.
The rally will target the Central government’s role in price surges, especially LPG rate hikes.
Deputy CM D K Shivakumar stated the state is spending Rs 52,000 crore annually on fulfilling its poll guarantees, while blaming the Centre for rising commodity prices.
JD(S) Campaign: 'Sakappa Saaku'
The JD(S) will stage a large-scale protest on April 12 at Freedom Park, Bengaluru.
Titled “Sakappa Saaku Congress Sarkara” (Enough is Enough, Congress Government), the protest will be led by Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy and focus on:
Price rise
Administrative corruption
Lorry Owners' Association Strike
The Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners and Agents Association has announced an indefinite strike from April 15.
Their demands include:
Rollback of diesel price hike
End of toll collection on state highways
Removal of transport checkposts
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