Congress Members Stage Vigorous Protest in Patna Over LPG Crisis
Members of the Congress party organized a significant protest in Patna on Thursday, vociferously opposing the acute shortage of LPG and the relentless rise in cylinder prices. The demonstration, which drew considerable attention, saw participants assembling near the Income Tax Golambar in the afternoon, where they raised powerful slogans demanding relief for the common citizen.
Demands for Immediate Government Action
Led by Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee president Rajesh Ram, the protesters chanted phrases such as "lower the price of cylinders" and "stop the atrocities against the common man." Ram emphasized that the entire nation is grappling with a severe LPG shortage, forcing the public to endure hours-long queues. He described the situation as tragic, citing alarming reports of elderly citizens losing their lives while waiting in lines in states like Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana.
Ram issued a stern demand for the government to:
- Immediately restore gas supply to alleviate the crisis.
- Fix responsibility for the shortage to ensure accountability.
- Reduce cylinder prices without any delay to ease the financial burden on households.
Criticism of Central Government Mismanagement
The Congress leader attributed the crisis to mismanagement by the central government, alleging that the administration has failed to meet basic needs while ministers remain preoccupied with campaigning activities. He highlighted how the policies of the Modi government have exacerbated public distress through rising inflation, disrupting domestic kitchens and extinguishing cooking fires across the country.
Ram pointed out that the escalating costs have disproportionately impacted the poor and middle class, further straining household budgets during an already challenging economic period. The protest underscored a broader narrative of governmental neglect and the urgent need for policy reforms to address essential commodity shortages.
Prominent Leaders Join the Demonstration
The protest saw active participation from several senior Congress leaders, including:
- Madan Mohan Jha
- Prem Chandra Mishra
- Kapil Dev Prasad Yadav
- Rajesh Rathorre
Their involvement reinforced the party's commitment to addressing the LPG crisis and advocating for the welfare of citizens affected by the shortage and price hikes. The demonstration in Patna serves as a microcosm of the nationwide discontent over essential commodity management, calling for swift and effective governmental intervention to restore normalcy and affordability in LPG supply.
