Siddaramaiah Government Faces Heat Over Price Hikes and Guarantee Schemes Ahead of 2028
The Congress government in Karnataka is facing intense political pressure over the financial sustainability of its flagship welfare programs. After coming to power by promising five major guarantee schemes including free bus travel, free electricity, and financial aid, the administration has recently implemented hikes in milk prices, curd prices, and public transport fares. These increases have triggered sharp criticism from opposition parties, who accuse the Siddaramaiah government of shifting the heavy financial burden of welfare schemes onto ordinary citizens through rising inflation. With the state heading toward the 2028 Assembly elections, these economic grievances, combined with reports of internal party friction, are severely testing the credibility and public support of the ruling administration. The government now faces the challenge of balancing its ambitious social commitments with fiscal responsibility.
Congress came to power in Karnataka with five major guarantee schemes, promising free bus travel for women, free electricity, financial assistance to women and unemployed youth, and free food grains for poor families. However, the government’s welfare promises are now facing serious questions over their financial sustainability. With increases in milk prices, curd prices, and public transport fares, the opposition has accused the Siddaramaiah government of shifting the financial burden onto ordinary citizens. As Karnataka approaches the 2028 Assembly elections, inflation, fare hikes, and internal infighting have put the Congress government’s credibility at stake.
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