Congress slams ₹900-plus LPG cylinder price hike as 'electoral bill' after assembly polls
Rahul Gandhi warns petrol-diesel prices may rise next; party says small businesses and common citizens bear the burden
Quick Look
- Congress party has strongly criticized the Centre for a ₹993 increase in commercial LPG cylinder prices, calling it the 'electoral bill' as the hike came a day after assembly polls concluded.
- Rahul Gandhi warned that petrol and diesel prices could be next, highlighting an 81% jump (₹1,380) since February.
- Party leader KC Venugopal said the near-₹1,000 hike would affect crores of Indians relying on small eateries and food businesses.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
This is not the first time the Congress has accused the BJP of timing policy decisions around elections. The party has consistently criticized the government for rising inflation, particularly fuel and cooking gas prices, which directly impact the common man's household budget.
New Delhi: Congress slammed the government for the hefty ₹900-plus hike per commercial liquefied petroleum gas cylinder, terming it the "electoral bill" as it came a day after the completion of the latest round of assembly polls. Party leader Rahul Gandhi warned that petrol and diesel prices could be increased next.
"I had said it, the heat of inflation would come after the elections. Today, a commercial gas cylinder is ₹993 more expensive. The biggest increase in a single day. This is the election bill. From February till now: ₹1,380 increase - a whopping 81% jump in just 3 months. Tea stalls, dhaba, hotel, bakery, sweet shop, the burden on everyone's kitchen has increased... First strike on gas, next strike on petrol-diesel," Gandhi said in a social media post.
AICC general secretary (org) KC Venugopal said, "A whopping increase of nearly ₹1,000 on commercial cylinders will affect crores of Indians who rely on food from small eateries for sustenance. Similarly, crores of small food businesses will have to bear the burden of this hike... BJP's regard for the common Indian's suffering is limited to election gimmicks after which they're left to their own devices. In the 3 months since the Iran war began, the government should have prepared a solid plan to shield ordinary Indians from the price shocks, instead of passing on the financial burden."
The price rise impacts small businesses and common citizens. The government is urged to prepare plans to protect people from price shocks.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Government may announce some relief measures or price review within weeks
Possible · Within weeks
Petrol and diesel prices may be adjusted in coming months
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- Will the government roll back or reduce the LPG price hike?
- Are petrol and diesel prices actually going to increase?
- What measures is the government planning to protect small businesses from price shocks?
