Haveri (Karnataka) [India], April 10 (ANI): Claiming that the 'burden on the poor has increased' in Karnataka, former Chief Minister and Member of Parliament Basavaraj Bommai on Thursday stated people are questioning when the Congress government will 'finally fall' as it has 'raised' the prices of essentials such as milk and electricity in the state.

Speaking to the media in Haveri, Bommai said the BJP has launched a state-wide protest against the 'anti-people' Congress government. The party has started the 'Janakrosha Yatra' in every district. In Haveri district, they have initiated a day-and-night protest.

'The state government has increased the prices of all commodities, including milk, liquor, and electricity. The government is financially bankrupt. Reports suggest that soon it may not even have enough funds to pay salaries to government employees,' Bommai said.

Bommai has alleged that corruption is rampant, stating that even Congress MLAs have admitted to the high levels of corruption within the party.

'PWD contractors, electrical contractors, and excise contractors have all complained about widespread corruption. Yet, the Chief Minister sits with his eyes closed. The burden on the poor has increased. Instead of properly delivering on its guarantees, the government has imposed heavy taxes on the people. Rather than giving subsidies to milk-producing farmers, they've raised the price of milk. We are protesting as the voice of the people,' the BJP MP said.

Bommai further alleged that there is major corruption in the installation of electricity meters. 'Contractors have provided documents showing that metres which cost just Rs 700 in other states are being charged at Rs 5,000-6,000 here. The people are questioning when this government will finally fall,' he said.

On being asked about Rahul Gandhi urging the union government to undertake the caste census at the national level, Bommai said, 'It has been a year since the caste census report was submitted (to the Karnataka govt). They don't know why Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is still hiding it. Let him release it first--only then will I comment further.' (ANI)