Bengaluru, 6 Sept

Karnataka Industries Minister MB Patil launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s economic policies, particularly the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which he claims has caused nine years of hardship for ordinary citizens.

Speaking from his residence on Saturday, Patil welcomed recent GST restructuring but accused the central government of delaying vital reforms, resulting in lasting distress. “Now... the damage is done—people have already suffered,” he remarked.

While he welcomed the recent two-phase GST restructuring, Patil accused Modi’s administration of delaying reforms, causing long-term distress.

Patil said during the Manmohan Singh’s era, petrol cost Rs 65/litre when crude oil was Rs 140 per barrel. Today, with oil at just Rs 70 while fuel prices have doubled.

“The Modi government pocketed the savings—worth lakhs of crores—instead of helping the people,” he charged.

Meanwhile, BJP MLA Mahesh Tenginkai, labelled the Congress as a "drama company" for its response to the reforms.

He asserted that all significant economic measures came from the Modi government, stating, “Whatever step (Finance Minister) Nirmala Sitharaman has taken... is entirely the responsibility of the BJP. Congress has nothing to do with it.”

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had earlier warned that the GST reforms could cost the State up to Rs 20,000 crore annually.