Karnataka Minister Accuses BJP of Engineering LPG Crisis, Slams Modi's Foreign Policy
In a sharp escalation of political tensions, Karnataka Information Technology and Biotechnology Minister Priyank Kharge on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government, describing the ongoing shortage of commercial LPG cylinders across India as a deliberately engineered crisis. The minister went further to accuse Prime Minister Narendra Modi of compromising the nation's foreign policy interests to benefit his industrial associates.
"Disastrous Policy by Central Government"
Speaking to media representatives, Kharge minced no words in his criticism. "This crisis has been formulated by the BJP. This is nothing but a disastrous policy by the central government," he asserted. The minister questioned the timing and purpose of Prime Minister Modi's diplomatic engagements, particularly referencing his visit to Israel.
"What was the need for Mr Modi to visit Israel two days prior to the war? What did he achieve? He went and got himself a non-existent award from Israel and he failed to condemn the attack on the Iranian leadership," Kharge stated, highlighting what he perceives as foreign policy missteps.
Questions About Government's Response
The Karnataka minister raised pointed questions about the absence of key government figures during the ongoing West Asia conflict. "Where is Mr Jaishankar? Where is Mr Hardeep Singh Puri? Where is the Prime Minister? In the last ten days of this war, how many times has Mr Modi spoken about this?" he demanded.
Kharge also questioned the invocation of the Essential Services Maintenance Act, suggesting it indicated a more serious situation than the government was acknowledging. "If there is no crisis, why is the Essential Services Maintenance Act invoked? I think the Prime Minister has compromised the foreign policy, the interest of the nation, just to please two-three industrial friends of his," he concluded.
Finance Minister Hits Back at Opposition
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman delivered a strong rebuttal to opposition protests in the Lok Sabha, accusing them of prioritizing political point-scoring over national interest. Speaking during the debate on supplementary demands for grants for 2025-26, Sitharaman criticized the opposition's conduct regarding LPG supply issues.
"Instead, they prefer to pursue their own agenda. I would like to make it clear that because of developments taking place abroad, several challenges are emerging for our country," Sitharaman stated, referring to the ongoing situation in West Asia affecting supply chains.
Government's Preparedness Measures
The Finance Minister emphasized the government's efforts to address emerging challenges. "The question before us is how we should face these challenges, how we should arrange the necessary funds to deal with them, and how we should remain prepared," she explained.
Sitharaman expressed disappointment at the opposition's response. "When the Government is taking many such steps to ensure preparedness, it is unfortunate that the Opposition, instead of standing together in the interest of the nation and giving confidence to the people, is taking irresponsible positions. Such conduct should be condemned," she added.
Fiscal Buffer for Unforeseen Challenges
The Finance Minister also addressed the government's financial planning in response to global uncertainties. "Are the Opposition members suggesting that in times of unforeseen challenges, should the government not create a fiscal buffer or equalisation fund of Rs 50,000 crores?" she questioned.
Sitharaman criticized the opposition's unwillingness to engage with government explanations. "It is an irony that even when I am talking about how the government is preparing to face any unexpected events, inclusive of supply chain disruptions and LPG, they are not willing to hear the reply. They want to have their own agenda. Sit on the stairs and have chai and talk about LPG. This is our Opposition," she remarked pointedly.
Growing Political Debate Over LPG Shortage
The exchange between Kharge and Sitharaman highlights the intensifying political debate surrounding the commercial LPG cylinder shortage and the government's preparedness amid global uncertainties. With accusations flying from both sides, the issue has become a focal point for broader discussions about foreign policy, economic management, and political responsibility.
As India navigates complex international dynamics affecting essential supplies, the political discourse reflects deep divisions in approach between the ruling party and opposition forces. The LPG shortage has transformed from a supply chain issue into a significant political battleground, with implications for both domestic governance and international relations.
