District Unit Expresses Concern Over Rising Cost of Living
The Kodagu District Unit of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has expressed concern over what it described as an increasing tax burden on ordinary citizens, alleging that rising taxes and prices are making life difficult for common people. Addressing a press conference in Madikeri, AAP Legal Advisor K.P. Balasubrahmanya said that recent fuel price hikes were being justified on the grounds of oil shortages arising from conflict in the Middle East.Questioning this rationale, he remarked that increasing prices alone would not resolve issues of supply and availability. He alleged that major oil companies were the primary beneficiaries of rising fuel prices and urged citizens to question policies that place a financial burden on consumers.
.Balasubrahmanya stated that indirect taxes affect all sections of society equally, regardless of income levels. He observed that ordinary citizens today are bearing a significant tax burden and said rising taxes were becoming increasingly difficult for common people to manage. He further alleged that major political parties were prioritising self-interest and family-based politics over public welfare. Criticising the BJP, he claimed that electoral campaigns were increasingly focused on religious issues rather than development.
He stated that citizens should question policies of governments regardless of political affiliation and expressed concern that public debate often becomes partisan rather than issue-based. Clarifying that the Aam Aadmi Party does not consider other political parties as enemies but as political opponents, he said that AAP remains committed to promoting secular values and strengthening grassroots democracy in accordance with constitutional principles. He added that the party would continue to listen to public grievances, verify issues independently and strive to secure justice for affected citizens.
District President M.K. Appaiah said the party would focus on issues affecting Kodagu district and address shortcomings in the delivery of essential services. He stated that the party’s newly established office would remain actively involved in resolving public grievances. Youth Wing President M.K. Ashiq announced that a membership drive would soon be launched and appealed to the people of the district to extend their support to the party.
District General Secretary H.B. Prithvi and party member Manjunath were also present at the press conference.
