Congress Leaders Stage Protest in Amritsar Over Trade Deal and LPG Crisis
Senior leaders and workers of the Indian National Congress organized a significant demonstration outside the Bharatiya Janata Party office in Amritsar on Saturday. The protest was primarily directed against the proposed Indo-US trade agreement, the ongoing shortage of LPG cylinders across the nation, and what they termed as anti-people policies implemented by the Central Government.
Former Deputy CM Leads Charge Against Government Policies
The demonstration was spearheaded by former deputy chief minister Om Parkash Soni, who was joined by a large contingent of Congress supporters. Participants gathered at the site and vociferously chanted slogans condemning the Central Government's actions. In a statement to the media, Soni articulated that the policies of the BJP-led administration at the Centre have exacerbated the difficulties faced by ordinary citizens.
He highlighted several critical issues:
- Rising prices of essential commodities and widespread unemployment affecting people nationwide.
- A severe shortage of LPG in numerous regions, forcing individuals to endure long queues to secure cooking gas cylinders.
- Allegations that the government has inadequately addressed these pressing concerns, neglecting the welfare of the common populace.
Criticism of Indo-US Trade Deal and Broader Economic Policies
Soni further lambasted the proposed Indo-America trade deal, asserting that such agreements disregard the interests of small-scale traders, farmers, and laborers. He accused the government of formulating policies that predominantly benefit large industrialists, while sidelining the needs and worries of everyday citizens. Emphasizing the Congress party's historical stance, Soni declared that they have consistently advocated for the rights of farmers, workers, and the general public, vowing to continue raising their voices in the future.
He issued a stern warning: if the LPG crisis remains unresolved and the anti-people policies are not retracted promptly, the Congress party will escalate its protest activities in the coming days.
Concerns Over Law and Order in Punjab
During the protest, Soni also expressed deep apprehension regarding the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab. He pointed out that incidents such as robberies, shootings, and drug-related crimes are being reported with alarming regularity, instilling fear among residents. Soni alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party government in the state has failed miserably in maintaining public safety and order.
He added that both the BJP government at the Centre and the AAP administration in Punjab have been ineffective in tackling the problems confronting ordinary people. Commenting on the state government's promise of providing Rs 1,000 per month to women, Soni claimed that the pledged amount for the past four years, totaling nearly Rs 48,000, has not been disbursed to beneficiaries.
This protest underscores the growing discontent among opposition parties over economic and social issues, with the Congress positioning itself as a vocal critic of current governance failures.
