Karnataka BJP Chief B.Y. Vijayendra spearheaded a protest rally on Thursday cycling through the streets of Bengaluru alongside party leaders and workers to oppose the recent fuel price hike implemented by the state government. However, their demonstration was swiftly halted as Bengaluru Police intervened, detaining BJP leaders and workers participating in the rally.
The fuel price hike, effective from June 15, saw an increase of approximately Rs 3 per litre for both petrol and diesel. This move prompted widespread discontent, with the state's BJP party calling for a statewide protest. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah defended the government's decision, asserting that Karnataka's fuel prices remain comparatively lower than those in other states.
In response to the detention, B.Y. Vijayendra expressed the BJP's ongoing frustration with the state government's refusal to reconsider the tax hike. "From the last couple of days, BJP has been protesting against the state government's decision to increase taxes on petrol and diesel," Vijayendra stated. "BJP is demanding that the CM roll back his decision... But the state government is continuing with the decision that has already been taken."
Undeterred by the detentions, Vijayendra reaffirmed the party's commitment to dissent, mentioning ongoing protests and roadblocks organized across the state. "BJP is not going to be quiet," he asserted. "Even today, we have organized 'Rasta roko' across the state... We are taking out a Cycle Yatra in Bengaluru," he said.
Earlier, JD(S) workers also staged a protest against the fuel price hike in Bengaluru.