Mangaluru: MLA Vedavyas Kamath slams Congress govt for funding pension through power bills

Mangaluru: MLA Vedavyas Kamath slams Congress govt for funding pension through power bills

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Aug 8, 2025: MLA Vedavyas Kamath has strongly condemned the Karnataka Congress government’s decision to collect money through people’s electricity bills to fund pension and gratuity payments.

“Giving pensions is not wrong, but it should come from the government’s treasury, not from people’s pockets. During our (BJP) government’s tenure, we managed these pensions without burdening the public. But the current Congress government is looting the people,” he said.

He criticised the government’s statement that the order did not originate from them, calling it childish. Kamath also pointed out that charging ₹10,000 for a smart meter that costs only ₹900—and being rebuked by the High Court for it—shows the government’s negligence.

“On one hand, they offer free electricity; on the other, they take away money through the back door. This is deceiving the people,” Kamath remarked angrily.

He further noted that issues related to sand and laterite stone have worsened, and criticised the state government for completely ignoring the people of Dakshina Kannada district.

BJP leaders Ramesh Kandettu, Ramesh Hegde, Lallesh Kumar, Muruli Hosamajalu, and others were also present.