The Congress party on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Narendra Modi-led government over the recent hike in LPG cylinder prices, questioning why Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders are not taking to the streets with gas cylinders in protest now as they did during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) regime.
Congress Takes a Dig at BJP Over LPG Price Hike
In a series of tweets, the Congress party reminded the BJP of its past protests when LPG prices were hiked under the UPA government. The party posted old photographs of BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, carrying gas cylinders during protests against rising LPG prices.
"Why aren't BJP leaders taking to the streets with cylinders in protest now?" the Congress asked, pointing out that the price of an LPG cylinder has increased by over Rs 300 since the Modi government came to power in 2014.
LPG Price Hike Details
The price of a 14.2-kg LPG cylinder was hiked by Rs 50 on Monday, taking the total increase in the last month to Rs 100. With this hike, a subsidized LPG cylinder now costs Rs 1,003 in Delhi, while a non-subsidized cylinder is priced at Rs 1,094.50.
The Congress alleged that the Modi government is "looting" the common man by increasing LPG prices repeatedly. "The BJP promised to bring down prices, but instead, they have been consistently increasing them," the party said in a statement.
BJP's Response
The BJP, however, defended the price hike, stating that it was due to global market fluctuations. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said that the government has taken several measures to provide relief to the poor, including the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, which provides free LPG connections to women from below-poverty-line families.
"The Congress should stop playing politics over essential commodities. The Modi government is committed to the welfare of the poor," Patra said.
Political Implications
The LPG price hike has become a major political issue, with opposition parties accusing the government of burdening the common man. The Congress has announced plans to protest across the country against the price rise. The party is also demanding a reduction in LPG prices and a rollback of the recent hikes.
As the political battle intensifies, consumers continue to feel the pinch of rising LPG prices. The government, on its part, maintains that the price hike is necessary due to global market conditions and that it is providing subsidies to the poor to cushion the impact.
