After Raje And Naidu, Karnataka BJP MP Pratap Simha Challenges ‘Loan-Warrior’ Kumaraswamy To Reduce Fuel Surcharge

BJP MP for Mysore constituency, Pratap Simha, called for a press conference on Monday, 10 September, challenging Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy to reduce the surcharges levied on petrol and diesel earlier in July, as part of his first budget.

Deccan Herald reported him saying, “If he’s truly concerned, he (HD Kumaraswamy) has to cut down the extra burden he’s put on the people by levying surcharges that is added on fuel in Karnataka.”

Furthermore, he has asked for solutions from the JD(S) supremo, HD Deve Gowda, former CM Siddaramaiah, and CM Kumaraswamy to reduce the increasing fuel prices, and to suggest comprehensive solutions to stabilise the rupee, which has hit an all-time low.

He accused the coalition government of misusing the government machinery to support the Bharat bandh and disrupt public order.

Earlier in July, Kumaraswamy had announced the application of surcharges on petrol and diesel by Rs 1.14 and Rs 1.12 respectively, in order to mobilise funds for the farm loan waiver of Rs 34,000 crore as part of the 2018-19 budget.