The Indian National Congress has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi following price increases for commercial LPG cylinders and other essential fuels.
These price hikes occur amid a volatile global energy market, intensifying the political battle between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition over the cost of living for Indian citizens.
According to reports, the price of commercial LPG cylinders rose by Rs 993 [1]. Additional increases were recorded for other fuels, with petrol and diesel both rising by Rs 3 per litre [2], while CNG prices increased by Rs 2 per litre [2].
Mallikarjun Kharge, leading the Indian National Congress, referred to the prime minister as an "inflation man" [1]. A spokesperson for the Congress party said the phrase "Modi ki vasooli shuru" describes the current economic situation [2].
Congress officials linked the timing of these price increases to the completion of recent assembly elections [2]. They said the hikes are a direct result of the government's current policy framework.
The BJP defended the administration's record. A spokesperson for the BJP said, "PM Modi has minimised fuel price impact despite global crises" [3]. The party said the price rises are due to global instability and the government has limited the impact on the public [3].
The dispute centers on whether the government is shielding citizens from international market trends or leveraging the post-election period to recover costs [2], [3].
“"inflation man"”
The clash over fuel pricing reflects a broader strategic struggle in Indian politics where energy costs serve as a primary proxy for government competence. By linking the hikes to the conclusion of assembly elections, the opposition is attempting to frame the BJP as opportunistic, while the government's focus on global crises seeks to shift the narrative toward external factors beyond its control.
