BJP’s overnight protest against price hikes in Karnataka

Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra has announced an overnight sit-in protest at Bengaluru’s Freedom Park on April 2, opposing the recent price hikes introduced by the Congress-led state government. Speaking to the media at the BJP office on Saturday, he criticized the government for increasing the prices of essential commodities, calling it a heavy burden on the public. 

Also Read: Price hike hits common people in Karnataka: Costlier milk, electricity, and tolls from tomorrow

He also accused the Congress government of delivering “guaranteed” price hikes instead of relief, citing rising costs of water, petrol and milk. He specifically called the milk price an “Ugadi gift” from the Congress to the people of Karnataka. 

The BJP plans to mobilize  public support through a series of protests across the state. Protests are scheduled at all district centers on April 4, followed by protests in taluks on April 5. 

In addition to opposing price hikes, Vijayendra condemned the suspension of 18 BJP MLAs from the Assembly for a period of six months due to improper conduct during the Budget session. He described the suspension as an “insult to voters” and announced a protest near the Kengal Hanumanthaiah statue in front of Vidhana Soudha on April 2. BJP leaders will also submit a petition to the Speaker, demanding that the suspensions be revoked.  

Recent Price Hikes in Karnataka 

One of the most significant cost increases has been in Namma Metro fares. In February, the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) revised its pricing structure, raising the maximum fare from ₹60 to ₹90.  

Public transport users have also faced additional expenses after the Karnataka government approved a 15% hike in fares for state-run transport corporations in January. This has led to increased ticket prices for Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses, a key mode of transport for daily commuters.  

Milk, an essential household item, has seen multiple price hikes over the past year. The Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) announced another increase in Nandini milk prices, raising the cost by ₹4 per litre, effective April 1.