INDIA Bloc Bengaluru Stir: Protesters Target CEC Gyanesh Kumar Over SIR

A debate on India Today focuses on the recent wave of price hikes in Karnataka, including increases in milk and public transport fares. Congress spokesperson Raghu Dodderi defended the hike, explaining that rising fuel costs, a stronger dollar, and drought-induced input pressures forced the milk federation and transport corporations to adjust rates to protect farmers and operational viability. He asserted that 'the central government has to come to our people's rescue and has to reduce the fuel prices', arguing that high central fuel cesses and inadequate tax devolution disproportionately burden Karnataka. In response, BJP spokesperson Surabhi Hodigere criticised the state administration for fiscal mismanagement, alleging an 'A to Z' rise in costs across commodities and arguing that election guarantees have emptied state coffers instead of delivering promised subsidies directly from government funds.

A festive dampener hit Karnataka after the state government introduced price hikes across dairy products and public transport. Nandini milk prices rose by 8 to 12 rupees per litre, while government bus fares increased by 23%. The administration stated the adjustments were necessary to support farmers and offset surging diesel costs, urging the central government to reduce fuel taxes and address inflation. Meanwhile, the opposition BJP protested against the moves, alleging that government funds were depleted due to state guarantee schemes. Scrutiny mounted further following state submissions before the High Court citing financial constraints behind delayed Gruha Lakshmi scheme instalments.

A political row has erupted in Punjab after the Bharatiya Janata Party accused the ruling Aam Aadmi Party government of shielding a paper leak mafia following the announcement of the Punjab Public Service Commission mains examination results. Demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation probe, the BJP termed it a massive betrayal of the youth and alleged it was the third major paper leak incident under Bhagwant Mann's government. The Aam Aadmi Party dismissed the allegations as baseless and fabricated, stating that over 75,000 jobs have been granted strictly on merit and maintaining full integrity in the evaluation process.

Ahead of the upcoming Punjab assembly elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the issue of Minimum Support Price for farmers. Speaking at an event in Haryana, Shah accused Gandhi of making false promises to the farming community. Highlighting agricultural procurement policies, he stated that Haryana is already providing MSP on 24 crops and urged farmers to reject the Congress party's guarantees and place their trust in the BJP instead. Shah appealed to voters to support the formation of a BJP or NDA government to address farmers' concerns.