Bengaluru, May 23 (IANS). Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President BY Vijayendra said on Saturday that Nitin Naveen will reach Bengaluru late Saturday evening on his first visit to the state after assuming the post of party president.
Speaking to reporters at the state BJP office in Bengaluru, Vijayendra said Nitin Naveen’s visit will include meetings with senior party leaders, MLAs and party workers.
According to Vijayendra, the BJP president will go to the residence of former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa for breakfast on Sunday morning. After this he will offer prayers at Kadumalleshwar temple and then reach Jagannath Bhawan, the state BJP headquarters, at around 10 am.
The state BJP president said that Naveen will discuss with BJP MPs, MLAs and Legislative Council members for about two hours and review the current political situation in the state.
The BJP president will also attend the party’s core committee meeting and later attend a training camp being organized in Bengaluru North district.
Vijayendra said, “It is a matter of pride for us that the BJP President is participating in this training programme. His presence will inspire the party workers.”
He also defended the central government’s decision to increase fuel prices and said the increase was necessary due to global developments and international market conditions.
He said that the Central Government has increased fuel prices for the third time due to unavoidable circumstances arising from the global situation. Due to global developments the central government has been forced to increase fuel prices. Although the government did not want to take such a step, it was forced to take this difficult decision.
He also targeted Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and reminded him of his earlier statement about reducing fuel prices in the state.
Vijayendra said, “Siddaramaiah had earlier said that he would reduce fuel prices by Rs 10. Now, in the interest of the people of the state, he should reduce the state tax on fuel.”
The state BJP president appealed to the Karnataka government to respond to the situation, saying that the Chief Minister should understand the current global situation and reduce the additional tax imposed on petrol and diesel in the state.
Vijayendra also criticized Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge and asked him to advise the state government instead of targeting the BJP.
He further said, “Instead of lecturing the BJP, Priyank Kharge should ask the state government to reduce the additional tax on petrol and diesel and set an example for the country. He should advise the Chief Minister (Siddaramaiah) in this matter.”
–IANS
ASH/DKP
