Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday criticised the Centre after petrol and diesel prices were increased for the second time in five days, alleging that the burden of rising fuel costs was being shifted onto common people while the government protected corporate interests.
The remarks came after state-run oil companies raised petrol prices by around 90 paise per litre across major cities, while diesel prices also saw a similar increase. Last week, fuel prices had already been raised by Rs 3 per litre.
Reacting to the latest hike, Kharge alleged that the Modi government had first “set the stage” by speaking about savings and later shifted the burden of its failures onto the public through repeated increases in fuel prices.
Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Congress chief alleged that the government was “robbing common people” while protecting industrialist Gautam Adani.
Kharge also referred to India’s purchase of Russian oil and alleged that the Centre had sought a one-month extension from the United States to continue imports. He claimed that such a move hurt the country’s dignity and said no previous government had “stooped to this level”.
Questioning the fresh fuel price hike, Kharge asked why petrol and diesel prices were being increased if the government itself claimed India had received approval to continue buying Russian oil.
He further alleged that the BJP lacked foresight and leadership, claiming the ruling party remained occupied with elections when the crisis was deepening and later came up with “a plan for loot”.
The Congress leader also accused the Prime Minister of focusing on publicity abroad instead of answering public concerns over inflation, petrol prices and diesel prices.
In an apparent swipe at the Prime Minister’s public appearances, Kharge said people were not interested in “how mangoes are eaten or which tonic is consumed” and instead wanted answers on what the government was doing to deal with the crisis.
Oil companies are facing pressure due to rising global crude oil prices and volatility in the international energy market, leading to the latest revisions in fuel rates.
