Delhi: Congress targets BJP government over hike in LPG cylinder prices

The Congress on Sunday hit out at the Center over the alleged hike in the price of a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder and demanded withdrawal of the hike.

Speaking at the AICC headquarters here, Congress leader Alka Lamba also alleged that the Center is trying to divert attention from real issues and rising prices By making divisive rhetoric.

Attacking the government, Ms Lamba said the price of commercial gas cylinders was hiked by Rs 105 on March 1, Rs 250 on April 1 and again by Rs 102.5 on May 1.

In eight months, the price of commercial LPG cylinder has increased by Rs 618.50, she said.

According to media reports, the 19 kg commercial cylinder in Delhi will now cost Rs 2,355.50, as against Rs 2,253 per cylinder.

Ms Lamba said the poor and the working class are being repeatedly attacked along with the rise in prices.

“The concern is more as the Center for Monitoring Indian Economy Survey states that around 2.1 crore jobs have come down and 45 crore people have given up their job search after losing all hope,” he said.

He said the biggest attack is on Indian women, of whom only 9% are now employed.

Ms Lamba said the country was going through a “Modi-created calamity” as it was facing a severe coal shortage and people were facing power cuts in the scorching heat.

“The prices of petroleum and diesel are also not coming down. Instead of attacking inflation, the Modi government prefers to attack Congress and Rahul Gandhi,” he alleged.

He said that in the midst of all these problems before the country, this insensitive government is standing as a mute spectator.

“We will continue to raise the issue of rising prices and force the government to rise above the welfare of our crony capitalist friends. We demand that this price hike be reversed,” Ms. Lamba said.

He alleged, “Every time before the festival, this government attacks the people with price hikes instead of gifts.”