Bengaluru, Apr 3 (UNI) Karnataka BJP president Vijayendra Yediyurappa and former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa were detained by the police on Thursday while leading a protest against the Congress government’s policies in the state.

The demonstration, held in Bengaluru, saw several BJP leaders, including former minister CT Ravi, taking to the streets to voice their opposition to rising prices and alleged misgovernance. The protest culminated in the detention of multiple party leaders as they attempted to march towards Vidhana Soudha.

BJP MLA SR Vishwanath criticised the state government's handling of economic issues, stating, "We have been protesting against price hikes since yesterday, yet we see that D K Shivakumar has now declared a hike in water prices, too. The people must start protesting against price hikes and corruption. Soon, they will be out on the streets in protest, and then the government will realise its mistakes."

Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy also lashed out at the Congress-led state government, alleging that it has failed to manage price rise.

"The Karnataka government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has increased the prices of essential commodities, including transport, milk, vegetables, and groceries. While implementing the five guarantees, they are simultaneously raising prices," he said.

He further criticised the statements made by certain ministers regarding diesel pricing.

"Yesterday, some ministers, who I am not sure are even capable of handling their portfolios, claimed that diesel pricing falls under the purview of the central government. Is this the kind of statement that responsible ministers should be making?" he remarked.

The BJP has vowed to intensify its protests, while the Congress government insists that its policies are necessitated by economic constraints.

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