Congress government in Karnataka 'milks' common man dry to 'fuel' its guarantees

Tuesday’s milk price hike is the latest in a series of shocks delivered by Congress govt to the people of Karnataka over the past year. The humble milk, the essential electricity, the unavoidable commute to work, the dream home and the luxe liquor everything has become dearer. TOI gives a lowdown on what all have become costlier in the state
ELECTRICITY TARIFFRs 2.89 per unit was the power tariff effected in June 2023, barely days after the new govt took over.However, CM Siddaramaiah blamed the previous BJP-led govt for the rise and said it will be cushioned with implementation of Gruha Jyothi, announced a day earlier to provide free power up to 200 units.
EXCISE DUTY ON LIQUOR 20% was the hike in excise duty on IMFL and 10% on beer announced in July 2023 state budget.
TRANSPORT CESS ON COMMERCIAL VEHICLES 3% hike in transport cess was announced by CM Siddaramaiah in his 2023-24 budget on newly registered commercial transport vehicles, including cabs and autorickshaws.
GUIDANCE VALUE OF PROPERTIES 25-30% was the increase in guidance value of properties announced in Oct 2023. The hike was targeted at mopping up a revenue of Rs 2,000 crore.
LIFETIME TAX ON EVs 10% of lifetime tax was introduced on electric vehicles, costing above Rs 25 lakh. The move did away with exemption for EVs.
STAMP DUTY & REGISTRATION 2-6 times was the increase effected in stamp duty for execution of various legal documents, including adoptions, rental agreements, divorce papers, enrolment certificates, bank guarantees, mortgage deeds and limited liability partnerships.
SEED 50-60% was the rise in seed prices ahead of sowing season of MayJune, leaving farmers, who are yet to recover from last year’s drough.
PETROL & DIESEL Rs 3 per litre was the increase in the prices of petrol and diesel after the govt hiked sales tax on fuels on June 8, 2024. The move sought to mobilise funds for various welfare and developmental schemes, but has hit large sections of people using private transport, while the public transport coverage remains very poor.
NANDINI MILK Rs 2 was the hike in prices of milk sachets of both 500 ml and 1000 ml size. Govt’s defence is that 4-10% rise in price will be duly compensated by 5-10% increase in the quantity of milk.
Congress keeps trumpeting how its five guarantees have benefited over 1.2 crore families and most beneficiary households are saving a minimum of Rs 8,000- 10,000 a month. But the govt has spared none, while saddling the state’s population farmers, labourers and the well-heeled with hikes in levies, fees and prices.