Congress Workers Stage Protest Over LPG Crisis in Kolhapur
Congress party workers in Kolhapur organized a significant demonstration on Monday outside the district collectorate to protest against the escalating prices of LPG cylinders and the severe shortage affecting households and businesses. The protest highlighted growing public frustration with the current economic policies.
Symbolic Demonstrations Highlight Crisis
As part of the protest, women workers from the Congress party squatted on the road and lit traditional chulahs to cook zunka-bhakri, a local staple. This symbolic act was designed to emphasize how families are being forced to revert to older cooking methods due to the unavailability of gas.
Just a few feet away, another group sat with an empty LPG cylinder and a silent gas stove, starkly illustrating the irony of rising prices coupled with vanishing supply. Their slogans against the BJP-led central government resonated through the premises, calling for an immediate rollback of the LPG price hike and urgent measures to resolve the shortage.
Voices from the Protest
Congress worker Vedvati Mohite strongly refuted government claims about the situation. "BJP's assertion that there is no shortage and that the opposition is spreading fear is completely false," she stated. "Let them visit LPG distributors and see the long queues. If they cannot step out, they should at least watch the reels on social media. Reality is just a click away."
City Congress chief Sachin Chavan drew a pointed comparison with the previous UPA government. "When Manmohan Singh led the Centre, the country faced a similar crisis, yet LPG prices were not increased," he explained. "Back then, a cylinder cost Rs 400. Today, it's Rs 900 for domestic use and Rs 1,900 for commercial purposes. This price shock has crushed the common man. Those who rely on hotels and messes are going hungry because even small eateries cannot afford to cook."
Formal Demands Submitted
A delegation from the Congress party later met with district officials and submitted a memorandum outlining their demands. They urged the administration to intervene promptly before the crisis deepens further, emphasizing the need for:
- Immediate reduction in LPG prices
- Increased supply of cylinders to address shortages
- Transparent communication about availability
- Support for affected households and businesses
The protest underscores the broader economic challenges faced by citizens, with rising fuel costs impacting daily life and livelihoods. The Congress party's actions reflect ongoing political tensions over governance and public welfare in the region.
