Opposition Slams Modi Government Over Fuel Price Hike
The opposition has launched a scathing attack on the Narendra Modi-led central government following a sharp increase in fuel prices. The price of petrol and diesel was hiked by ₹3 per litre on May 15, 2026, sparking widespread criticism from political rivals.
Rahul Gandhi's Sharp Remarks
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to social media to express his displeasure, stating, 'The Modi government's mistake, The public will pay the price.' In a post on X, he wrote in Hindi: 'गलती मोदी सरकार की, कीमत जनता चुकाएगी। ₹3 का झटका आ चुका, बाकी वसूली क़िस्तों में की जाएगी।' This translates to 'Mistake of Modi government, the public will pay the price. The shock of ₹3 has come, the rest will be recovered in installments.'
Congress President and Other Leaders React
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also condemned the price hike, calling it a 'Modi-government-made crisis.' He accused the administration of failing to control inflation and protecting the interests of ordinary citizens. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav joined the chorus, criticizing the government for burdening the common man with rising fuel costs. Other opposition leaders echoed similar sentiments, demanding an immediate rollback of the price increase.
Government's Defense
The government has not yet issued an official statement on the price hike. However, sources indicate that the increase is linked to global crude oil price fluctuations and the need to adjust domestic rates. The opposition, however, remains unconvinced, arguing that the government should absorb the costs rather than passing them on to consumers.
The fuel price hike is expected to have a cascading effect on transportation costs and essential commodities, further straining household budgets. Analysts warn that this could lead to higher inflation in the coming months.
