Pune: After fuel prices were increased again on Monday, the opposition launched a fresh attack on the central government, accusing it of failing to provide a transparent picture of the economic situation and silently raising prices of essential commodities, thereby adding to the burden on the common people.
Petrol and diesel prices were hiked by nearly 90 paise on Monday. This marks the second fuel price increase within a week, as global crude oil prices have risen due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Last week, fuel prices had already been hiked by Rs 3 across the country.
Opposition Leaders Speak Out
State Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal said, “The BJP is more interested in converting every issue into an event rather than providing relief to the people. The government has not taken any decisive steps to control inflation.” Sapkal warned of a statewide agitation if the government fails to control the prices of essential commodities.
“We are told that the Middle East war is the cause for the rising prices of commodities in the country. However, inflation has been rising even before the war started. The agrarian crisis is deepening. We will have to come on the streets for the people if the government fails to control inflation,” he added.
Austerity Measures and Criticism
Several ministers, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have reduced the number of vehicles in their convoys as an austerity measure. The government has appealed to the people to take up similar initiatives to limit fuel consumption. However, opposition parties have criticized the government, particularly its BJP members, over such appeals.
Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut said, “When the BJP was in the opposition, their members would hit the streets in protest against any fuel price hike. Now, when they are in government, they are asking people to sacrifice their travel and keep bearing the brunt of inflation. Due to the government’s failed economic policies, people are going to suffer even more as fuel prices will spike further.”
Government's Response
State Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal said, “The problem has arisen due to the war in the Middle East, but the Union and state governments are taking all steps to keep the situation under control. The government has a stock of fuel which will suffice for a month, and therefore, there is no need to panic.”
The ongoing political row highlights the deepening divide between the ruling party and the opposition over economic management, as citizens face rising costs of living.
