Shivakumar Criticises Centre’s Fuel Price Cut as "Politically Motivated" Ahead of Elections
Shivakumar accuses Centre of politically motivated fuel price reduction.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Friday accused the Central Government of politically motivated fuel price reductions, suggesting that the decision was timed to benefit upcoming elections. Speaking to the media near his Bengaluru residence, Shivakumar criticised the Centre’s move to cut the special additional excise duty on fuel.
“The Government of India is killing us. They have reduced fuel prices for the elections. Meanwhile, Nayara company has increased fuel prices,” he said, highlighting what he described as contradictory actions between the government and private fuel companies. When asked whether the state government would follow suit and lower fuel prices, Shivakumar declined to give a definitive answer, saying, “We will speak about it later.”
Shivakumar also addressed questions related to the Davanagere South by-election, asserting that minority votes, as well as votes from other communities, would remain united behind the Congress candidate Samarth Mallikarjun. “Samarth was like a son raised by [the late] Shamanur Shivashankarappa. I am confident he will win. The entire state has seen the contributions made by that family to Davanagere, and people remember them,” he said, projecting confidence in a wider victory margin for the candidate.
On reports of dissatisfaction and internal suspensions within the party ahead of the by-election, Shivakumar clarified that he had not signed any suspension orders, describing the developments as local matters. “The Chief Minister and I have discussed the matter, but we will not make it public. Senior leaders like Zameer Ahmad Khan, Jabbar, and Nazeer will follow the party’s direction. There may be wrestlers and strongmen, but they are all ours. Differences are natural during elections, and we will handle them,” he said.
Also Read: Odisha CM Applauds PM Modi’s Rs 10 Fuel Duty Cut, Urges Calm Amid Price Volatility
Shivakumar also commented on demands by MLAs for Indian Premier League (IPL) tickets. “MLAs have a right, as they are part of the government and the system. We have allowed matches to be conducted under pressure. I may be a member of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), but that is a separate matter. I will discuss with the KSCA president about facilitating access for our MLAs to watch the matches,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP MP Tejasvi Surya that such demands were unnecessary, Shivakumar countered, “He should advise the leaders of his own party, not us.” The remarks come amid growing political activity in Karnataka ahead of state elections and by-elections, highlighting ongoing tensions between the state and central governments over policy decisions and electoral strategies.
Also Read: Fuel Duty Cut Brings Relief: Rajasthan CM Applauds Centre for Supporting Families
