Bengaluru, Mar 20: Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala on Friday attacked the Narendra Modi led government over the ongoing LPG cylinder shortage, asking the BJP how it intends to face voters in poll bound states.
Surjewala described the situation as a “huge crisis,” citing the rupee’s fall to ₹93 against the US dollar and its adverse impact on the economy and employment. He recalled that during Manmohan Singh’s tenure as prime minister, Modi had claimed that the prime minister’s prestige falls when the rupee weakens.
Speaking to reporters, Surjewala alleged that households, small eateries, and restaurants are struggling due to the unavailability of domestic and commercial gas, with some buying cylinders on the black market for as much as ₹1,300. He sarcastically remarked that security guards might be needed for every cylinder in India.
He criticised the Centre for repeatedly raising the prices of domestic gas twice and commercial gas thrice, in addition to hikes in premium petrol and diesel. Surjewala questioned whether the BJP had the mandate to seek votes given the economic hardships.
The Congress leader also urged JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy to respond to the price rise, highlighting that unemployment among graduates is at 67% and that technological changes, including AI, are affecting jobs in the country.
With Assembly polls upcoming in Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Puducherry, and by-elections in Karnataka, Surjewala insisted that the BJP and allied leaders must address citizens’ economic concerns before canvassing for votes.