Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday criticized the BJP-led central government over the rising prices of petrol and diesel, calling its policies 'anti-poor and anti-middle class.' He alleged that despite lower international crude oil prices, the government failed to ease the financial burden on citizens.
Gehlot's accusations against BJP
Gehlot pointed out that while the BJP had previously attacked the Congress for inflation and fuel price hikes, it has continued similar practices since coming to power. He highlighted that during the tenure of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, when crude oil prices peaked at $115-$120 per barrel, fuel prices were not as high as they are now, even though current crude prices have dropped to nearly $60 per barrel.
Rahul Gandhi's warning recalled
Gehlot referenced Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's earlier warning of post-election fuel price increases, asserting that the public understood the government's intention to raise prices despite previous appeals for conservation. He further accused the Centre of reducing states' shares in excise duty collections through policies that limit states' income.
The former chief minister's remarks come amid ongoing debates over fuel pricing and its impact on the common man. Gehlot's criticism underscores the political divide over economic policies and their effects on different sections of society.
