Bengaluru, Apr 3 (UNI) Karnataka Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara on Thursday held the Central Government responsible for price regulation, stating that the burden of increased taxation by the Union Government forces states to raise prices on commodities.

However, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy countered this claim, accusing the Congress-led Karnataka government of failing to manage price rise.

Speaking to reporters, Dr Parameshwara said, "I also explained yesterday that the Government of India, in its tax structure, has increased taxes in various areas. Because of that, states have to pay those taxes. Where will they pay from? They have to raise the prices of their own commodities."

He emphasised that price regulation is a policy-driven mechanism controlled by the Central Government, which has often intervened to regulate prices.

"It is basically the responsibility of the Government of India. They need to control the prices of some commodities and also reduce taxes because price regulation is necessary," he said.

However, Narayanaswamy dismissed this reasoning, alleging that the state government itself was responsible for rising costs.

"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 charged.

He also took a swipe at certain ministers over their remarks on fuel 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 questioned.

Dr Parameshwara, meanwhile, warned against unchecked market exploitation, stating, "Otherwise, it would be never-ending—anyone could raise prices, collect money, and exploit the situation."

He reiterated that the responsibility of price control ultimately lay with the Centre.

"The Government of India, in its wisdom, must take control. I am not trying to defend anyone; I am only saying that the Government of India should be able to regulate prices. So, it is the responsibility of the Central Government, not the state government," he asserted.

With both state and central authorities trading accusations, the issue of price rise remains a contentious political battleground in Karnataka.

UNI BDN BM