Karnataka budget: Congress might ask Kumaraswamy to lower fuel prices
Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy's decision to increase fuel prices in Karnataka's budget seems to have irked not just the common man, but coalition partner Congress as well. Congress is likely to demand withdrawal of the proposal to increase state tax on petrol and diesel by 2% in the coming weeks as Kumaraswamy looks to get the budget approved. Here's more.
Why Congress is opposing the move
Kumaraswamy's decision to increase fuel prices reflects badly on the Congress at a time when it, along with regional parties, are aggressively taking on the Modi government regarding increasing fuel prices. Politics being a game of appearances, Congress is worried that Kumaraswamy's decision might derail its campaign. Congress also said that he did not consult Congress ministers in his cabinet before taking the decision.
A Congress leader expresses his irritation
"Kumaraswamy's decision has disarmed the Congress of its poll weapon - rising fuel prices - over which the party is weaving an aggressive campaign against the Modi government. How can [Kumaraswamy's] party afford such a miscalculated step ahead of 2019 elections," said a Congress leader.
Congress has already faced criticism over Kumaraswamy's decision
Following Kumaraswamy's decision, the Congress has faced criticism from the BJP for being hypocritical about fuel prices. Meanwhile, Congress President Rahul Gandhi has also come under fire for allowing Kumaraswamy to raise fuel prices. However, according to ToI, a senior JD(S) leader confirmed the Congress' allegations that Kumaraswamy had not consulted them before taking the decision on fuel prices.
