Bengaluru: After milk and diesel price hikes, Shivakumar hints at water tariff increase

Bengaluru’s water tariff is set to increase by one paisa per litre, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said on Wednesday. Defending the Congress government amid the BJP’s protests over rising costs, he accused the opposition party of being "anti-farmer" for opposing the milk price hike, which he said was meant to help farmers.

The BJP launched a statewide 'day and night' protest on Wednesday, accusing the Congress government of burdening the public with price hikes. The party highlighted increased milk and diesel prices, higher power tariffs, and rising bus and metro fares as key concerns.

Government’s Justification

Shivakumar responded by saying that Karnataka's price increases are lower than in other states. "Even with the water tariff, we have no other choice. We have to increase it by one paisa or half a paisa per litre; we can't raise it more. I have instructed that the tariff be reduced for the poor. I have asked the board (BWSSB) to decide. We will not hike rates for small houses," he said.


He also noted that the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has incurred losses of Rs 1,000 crore. "For the next phase of funding, we need to demonstrate to JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) and other financial institutions that we are not running a charity; otherwise, they won't grant us loans," he added.

Clarification on User Fee for Solid Waste Management

Shivakumar addressed concerns about the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) imposing a user fee for solid waste management. "This is in line with instructions issued by the central government to the entire country. The previous BJP government implemented it in 2022 at a very high rate. In fact, I have reduced it. I have asked the department to issue an advertisement or press statement regarding this," he said.

Criticism of Opposition

Hitting out at JD(S) leader and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy over the price hikes, including the increase in milk prices, Shivakumar pointed out that the Hassan Milk Union is headed by Kumaraswamy’s brother, H D Revanna. "Let them sell milk Rs 4 per litre cheaper in Hassan if they are so concerned. We want to benefit farmers," he said.

Political Debate Continues

Shivakumar accused the BJP of playing politics with public concerns. "BJP is not talking about the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) reducing power tariffs for certain sections. As for the milk price hike, shouldn't we support farmers? Let them (the BJP-led central government) reduce the prices of cattle fodder, petrol, and diesel to help farmers. BJP is anti-farmer," he stated.

As the debate over price hikes continues, the Congress government faces increasing pressure from opposition parties and the public on its economic policies.

(Inputs from PTI)