The Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS) staged a protest at Freedom park
Bengaluru: The Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS) staged a protest in
the city on Tuesday, denouncing the increase in petrol and diesel prices by the
state government. Led by Bengaluru Metropolitan JDS leaders, including
President HM Ramesh Gowda, Vidhan Parishad Members KA Thippeswamy, TA Saravan,
TN Javarai Gowda, and JDS legal unit president A.P. Ranganath, the protest took
place near the Kuvempu statue at Freedom Park.
The demonstrators voiced their demand for an
immediate reduction in the escalated fuel prices, citing concerns over the
economic burden this hike places on consumers. They highlighted that the
increased costs of petrol and diesel would inevitably lead to higher prices across
various goods, adversely affecting the common man.
The agitation escalated when protesters attempted to
encircle the Vidhana Soudha, prompting police intervention and subsequent
arrests. Addressing the gathering, Legislative Council member TN Javarai Gowda
criticized the government's policy, recalling previous promises made during
electoral campaigns.
The current increase of Rs. 3 per liter for petrol
and Rs. 3.50 for diesel is a breach of trust, he asserted, alluding to earlier
assurances of price reduction once in power. The JDS leaders, drawing
historical comparisons, highlightedtheir commitment to sustained opposition
both within and outside legislative sessions until the fuel prices are rolled
back.
Vidhan Parishad member Saravan lambasted the
government's failure to honor its electoral promises, warning of intensified
protests in the coming days if corrective action is not swiftly taken.