Centre replacing Ujjwala scheme with ‘firewood model’, alleges DKS

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Centre, alleging that the BJP-led government has effectively replaced the Ujjwala scheme with a “firewood-based system,” amid rising fuel prices and cost of living.

Addressing a joint press conference at the KPCC office, Shivakumar questioned the Centre’s claims of delivering “acche din,” asking whether the current situation should instead be termed “kaccha din.” He said citizens are struggling due to price rise, forcing many to revert to alternative cooking methods. “With elections underway in several states, people are facing hardship. Hotels are shutting down, and many are being pushed towards using electric stoves. Power consumption in the state has risen by 10 per cent in the last 15 days,” he said, taking a swipe at the Centre’s policies.

He attributed the rising costs to a combination of global conflicts and what he termed “faulty decisions” by the Union government. “Prices of LPG cylinders, toll charges, railway fares—everything has gone up. The Centre is waging a price war on common people,” he alleged.

Highlighting the impact on households, Shivakumar said essential commodities and services have seen steep hikes. He pointed out that prices of nearly 900 medicines have increased, along with a rise in GST to 12 per cent on certain items. He also noted a ₹7,000 per tonne increase in materials such as plastic pipes.

The Deputy CM further flagged rising construction costs, stating that cement prices have increased by ₹50–₹100 per bag, while steel prices have surged from ₹47,000 to ₹59,000 per tonne. “How can ordinary citizens build houses under such conditions? Even government projects are being affected,” he said.

On fuel concerns, he warned of a potential shortage of firewood if demand spikes suddenly, especially as forest access remains restricted. He also alleged black marketing of LPG cylinders, claiming domestic cylinders are being sold at up to ₹2,000 and commercial ones at ₹4,000.

Calling for intervention, Shivakumar urged the Centre to introduce relief measures similar to the state’s guarantee schemes. “Our guarantees have provided some breathing space to people. The Centre must also come up with alternative systems to support citizens struggling with inflation,” he said.

He further criticised the increase in postal and parcel charges by 34 per cent, stating that such hikes would add to the burden on the common man. Accusing the Centre of “picking pockets of citizens daily,” he also claimed that ₹900 crore has been collected as toll on the Bengaluru–Mysuru highway, which, if shared, could be used for rural development.

“The Centre must stand with people in these difficult times and provide real relief instead of adding to their burden,” he added.