Overview

• The Congress-led Karnataka government organized a large-scale protest at Bengaluru's Freedom Park on April 17, 2025, criticizing the Union government for steep hikes in fuel, LPG, and essential goods prices.
• Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar accused the BJP government of reducing subsidies since 2014, leading to increased costs that have widened economic disparities.
• Congress leaders compared current fuel and LPG prices to those during the UPA era, highlighting significant increases under the Modi government.
• JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy countered Congress' claims, blaming state-level taxes for burdening citizens and defending the central government’s policies.
• Karnataka Congress defended its recent milk price hike, stating the increase benefits farmers, while continuing to demand a rollback of central fuel price hikes.