DK Shivakumar slams centre over rising prices of gold

Bengaluru

At a Congress protest held in Freedom Park, Bengaluru, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar strongly criticized the central government over rising prices of gold and essential items. He expressed concern that these hikes are making it hard for common people, especially women, to afford wedding jewelry like mangalya saras (mangalsutra).

Shivakumar said, "In eleven years, the price of gold has gone from ₹40,000 to ₹90,000, making it tough for women to buy gold." He added, "A mobile phone that used to cost ₹10,000 is now ₹30,000. Toothpaste has gone from ₹5 to ₹15, and cement from ₹268 to ₹460." He claimed these price hikes show the need for the Congress party’s fight for people’s rights.

He also mentioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, saying it energized the party. "We predicted victories in 136 constituencies and proved that we can defeat even former chief ministers," Shivakumar stated.

Highlighting the Congress government's support for farmers, he said milk prices were raised by ₹4 to help dairy farmers. He pointed out that while milk prices are higher in states like Haryana, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab, Karnataka still has lower prices, showing the state's concern for public welfare.