Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab president Aman Arora on Friday strongly criticized the BJP-led central government over the recent increase in fuel prices and rising inflation, alleging that the government is pushing common people, farmers, and small businesses into financial distress while favoring a handful of corporate houses.
Arora's Press Conference
Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, Arora stated that the country is suffering from inflation despite the grand promises made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi before coming to power 12 years ago. "The BJP government has once again burdened common people, farmers, and small businesses with rising fuel prices and inflation," he added.
Referring to the latest hike in fuel and LPG prices, Arora said, "Immediately after the West Bengal elections, the central government increased the price of commercial LPG cylinders by ₹943, dealing a severe blow to small businesses and traders. Along with this, the Centre increased petrol prices by ₹3.14 per litre, diesel by ₹3.11 per litre, and CNG prices by ₹2. This is a shameful gift to the people of the country."
Allegations of Corporate Favoritism
Arora asserted that the BJP only remembers public welfare during elections but imposes economic burdens on people after securing votes. "The BJP talks about public welfare during elections, but after winning votes it starts looting the hard-earned money of the people. These price hikes are being done only to benefit a few selected corporate houses close to the ruling party," he said.
Impact on Punjab's Farming Sector
Highlighting the impact on Punjab's farming sector, Arora noted that the diesel price hike will directly affect agricultural operations during the paddy sowing season. "Farmers require water and fuel for irrigation during paddy sowing. The increase in diesel prices will directly affect their agricultural operations and increase their financial burden," he added.
Criticism of Foreign Policy
Taking a dig at the Centre's foreign policy decisions related to oil imports, Arora questioned, "It is difficult to understand why India is hesitant in making independent decisions on purchasing oil despite opportunities available from countries like Russia." He demanded that the Centre immediately roll back the hike.
Response to PM's Appeal
When asked whether Punjab will take steps like cutting down on official cavalcades to reduce fuel consumption in response to PM Modi's appeal, Arora said it is up to the chief minister to decide. He sarcastically remarked, "The PM has gone abroad while he has made an appeal to people to work from home. He is doing the exact opposite. Does the aeroplane carrying him work on water?"
Concerns Over Electoral Integrity
Replying to a question on the SIR (Special Summary Revision), Arora said, "We have no objection or any fear regarding SIR or any such exercise. AAP has an apprehension regarding ECI acting like a political wing of the BJP. In West Bengal, first 91 lakh voters were deleted from the rolls and later 60 lakh were wrongly declared dead. Even after the elections, according to the TMC, there were 31 constituencies where the BJP's victory margin was less than the number of votes deleted." He added, "If such an institutional loot of votes will be done using the SIR, we are strongly against it. The ECI has lately lost integrity. Ultimately, publication of electoral rolls has to be done by the ECI."
