'Ungrateful Citizens... Can Criticise Or Protest': Karnataka Deputy CM Firm On Hiking Water Tariffs In Bengaluru

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has shown a firm stance on Congress' decision to raise water tariffs and said it is necessary for the survival of the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB).

He elaborated that the board is not able to pay power bills and employees' salaries. He claimed that money is needed to expand the supply network, which is being done by taking loans from various organisations.

Calling the citizens "ungrateful," he said, "If they don't get water, they will abuse us, call us, and put messages on WhatsApp. They don't know how difficult it is."

Shivakumar added that the proposal to increase the water tariff has been pending for eight to nine years but now it cannot be postponed further, otherwise, the BWSSB will not survive.

"Let the media and opposition abuse us. I am bound to increase the water tariff. They can criticize or protest, but I won't stop. We will increase the tariff," the Karnataka deputy CM said affirmatively.

However, he clarified that it is possible that the tariff hike will impact only some sections and will not be for everyone. The final decision would be taken after discussions with the Cabinet and citizens, he added.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attacked Congress by saying that water is a basic necessity but Shivakumar is 'planning to turn it into a costly commodity', which will be a financial burden on the common man.

Calling out the 'Congress’ ongoing fiscal mismanagement,' BJP state president B Y Vijayendra posted on X, "If governance continues to fail, it’s the people who will pay the price."

This is yet another example of Congress burdening common citizens to fund its promised guarantees. Earlier, Shivakumar claimed that the government does not have funds for development projects.