Congress MLAs warn CM: Price hikes may cost us at the ballot box

Shyam Sundar Vattam

CH Bureau@Mysuru

Ruling Congress party lawmakers have urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to temporarily halt any further hikes in goods and service charges, citing mounting public backlash against the government.

An MLA, who requested anonymity and was part of the delegation that recently met the Chief Minister told CH that voters in their respective constituencies are holding them accountable for the steady rise in prices of essential commodities and services. Citizens have expressed anger over the steep increase—such as the Rs 9 per litre hike in milk prices over the last two years, along with hikes in petrol, diesel, bus fares, liquor prices, and various departmental service charges.

"People are questioning why we remained silent as prices kept rising," the MLA said. “They’re aware that these hikes are meant to fund the five guarantee schemes, but the pinch is being felt hard.”

The Chief Minister is said to have explained that the government requires Rs 56,000 crore annually to implement the guarantees, with Rs 28,000 crore allocated solely for the Gruha Lakshmi scheme. However, lawmakers conveyed their frustration, noting that development works in their constituencies have come to a grinding halt. “Even proposals ranging from Rs 1 crore to Rs 10 crore are being rejected by the Finance Department,” one legislator said.

This stagnation has rendered Congress MLAs targets of public ridicule for failing to fulfill their election promises. The opposition BJP and JD(S) are reportedly capitalizing on the situation, criticizing the Congress for the lack of progress on the ground.

The MLA warned that if the government does not address the growing resentment, it could face serious challenges in the upcoming Zilla Panchayat and urban corporation elections. “Instead of burdening the poor and middle class, the government should explore alternative revenue streams to sustain the guarantees,” he added. “Clear guidelines must also be issued to ensure only eligible beneficiaries receive these welfare benefits, thereby reducing the financial strain.”