Congress Leader Pawan Khera Blasts PM Modi Over Assam Campaign During LPG Crisis
In a sharp critique, Congress leader Pawan Khera on Sunday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of "shamelessly" seeking votes in Assam while the nation grapples with a severe LPG shortage, forcing citizens to endure long queues for gas cylinders. Khera, who chairs the AICC media and communications department, lambasted Modi's recent visit to the state, highlighting the timing as insensitive amid widespread fuel distress.
Modi's Assam Visit Sparks Controversy Amid National Fuel Woes
The attack followed Modi's two-day trip to Assam, where he urged collective efforts for a "Viksit Assam" and national development. Khera expressed astonishment, stating, "At a time when the entire country faces a fuel shortage and people stand in endless lines for cooking gas, it is shocking that the Prime Minister came to Assam solely to ask for votes. In such dire circumstances, anyone with the audacity to campaign must be utterly shameless." He emphasized that Modi's focus on electoral states neglects regions in crisis without imminent polls.
Allegations of Selective Visits and Political Puppetry
Khera alleged that Modi avoids disaster-stricken areas like Assam during floods or Manipur in non-election periods, only rushing when polls are announced. Responding to Modi's claim that Congress is a puppet of forces weakening India, Khera retorted that his party is independent, while launching a personal jab: "Modi became a puppet of the Epstein gang." This remark added a layer of personal attack to the political feud.
BJP Criticized Over Rising LPG Prices and Black Market Sales
Turning to economic issues, Khera targeted the BJP over escalating LPG costs, recalling past protests. "When LPG prices rose by just Rs 20 under Congress rule, BJP leaders demonstrated with gas cylinders. Today, with a Rs 63 hike in a single day, they show no shame," he alleged. He further claimed that in Delhi, commercial cylinders are being sold on the black market, exacerbating the crisis for ordinary citizens.
Defiance Against Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's Threats
Khera also addressed Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's warning of potential arrest, asserting Congress's resilience. "We are not afraid of Himanta Biswa Sarma. Let him deploy police as he wishes. We have fought against the British and the Sangh; Sarma is a recent Sangh member. We will continue speaking truth to power," he declared, dismissing intimidation tactics.
Internal BJP Strife and Ticket Distribution Chaos
Additionally, Khera mocked Sarma's boast about influencing Congress candidates, suggesting the chief minister is overwhelmed by BJP's internal conflicts. "There are multiple lists within the BJP—one from the RSS, another from Sarbananda Sonowal, and various leaders promoting their own. Sarma struggles to manage BJP ticket distribution, let alone decide for us," he added, highlighting disarray within the ruling party.
This confrontation underscores deepening political tensions as elections loom, with fuel shortages and governance critiques taking center stage in Assam's political discourse.
