TMC Accuses Centre of Negligence Over Fuel Crisis Amid West Asia Conflict
In a sharp critique, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Thursday launched a scathing attack against the Central government, accusing it of lacking a contingency plan to address the escalating fuel crisis. The party highlighted that the ongoing war in West Asia has been building up over months, yet no preventive measures were implemented.
State Finance Minister Questions Government Preparedness
State Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya pointed out the critical timing of the conflict, noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was physically present in Israel just days before hostilities intensified. She emphasized the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, which handles 85-90% of India's LPG imports. "None of this was a secret," she stated, "and yet, no strategic reserves were built, no alternative supply routes were activated, and no contingency protocols were triggered."
Bhattacharya further criticized the Centre's decision to invoke emergency powers, extending the LPG booking cycle from 21 to 25 days. She questioned the practicality of this move, asking, "But if someone needs gas in between, what will they do? Will flying the balloons of Ujjwala suffice?" She revealed that demand for cylinders in Bengal alone surged from 2 lakh to 6 lakh bookings within days, coinciding with supply disruptions and a Rs 60 price hike, pushing gas prices above Rs 1,000.
BJP Counters with Allegations of Artificial Crisis
In response, Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya dismissed the state's LPG shortage as an "artificial crisis", alleging that dealers were being coerced and cylinders seized. "We are surprised to see how Trinamool is forcing this crisis on people and making them suffer," he asserted.
Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar acknowledged that the war has prompted a fuel crisis affecting the common man but criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's approach. "The standard operating procedure by CM Mamata Banerjee makes no sense. It is nothing but trying to play to the gallery. There will be more sales of LPG through grey channels after this," he warned.
Political Sparring Intensifies Over Governance and Protests
Chandrima Bhattacharya retorted sharply, contrasting the Centre's formation of a committee to examine supply requests with the West Bengal CM's proactive meetings and instructions to authorities. She questioned, "Is this the example of your 'Viksit Bharat'? We demand answers. This is not just about politics; it is a matter affecting every household."
Former BJP national vice president Dilip Ghosh shifted focus, urging the Bengal government to address the plight of potato farmers, who are struggling as the state halted potato exports to other states. Meanwhile, Bengal BJP functionaries expressed optimism after PM Modi's assurance that India would navigate the situation successfully, hoping for improvements from Monday.
TMC spokesperson Tanmoy Ghosh criticized the government's track record, citing demonetization, COVID lockdowns, and the current SIR (Supply and Infrastructure Response) as examples of whimsical decisions without proper preparation. "LPG is not available. This govt only takes whimsical decisions, forcing people to stand in queues," he lamented.
Upcoming Protests and Broader Implications
In a significant development, CM Mamata Banerjee announced she will lead a protest march on March 16 from College Square to Dorina Crossing at 4 pm against price rises. The party stated the protests target the abrupt and unilateral increase in cooking and commercial gas prices by the Centre.
The ongoing debate underscores deep political divisions and highlights the urgent need for effective crisis management strategies as households across Bengal grapple with fuel shortages and rising costs.
