Congress Party Protests in Patna Over Rising LPG Prices and Gas Crisis
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Patna, April 3 (NationPress) In light of escalating global tensions among Iran, the United States, and Israel, the political climate in Patna has grown increasingly charged as the Congress party organized a protest concerning the alleged crisis surrounding LPG supplies.
A significant turnout of party members, including numerous women, assembled at the Income Tax Roundabout to voice their grievances about soaring LPG prices and rampant inflation.
In a powerful gesture, women symbolically placed empty gas cylinders on the roadway, adorning them with garlands to convey their frustration.
Some protesters also showcased traditional earthen stoves (chulhas), underscoring the plight of families forced to return to outdated cooking methods due to rising expenses and supply issues.
Chants directed at the Central government filled the air, including slogans like “Remove BJP, Save the Nation” and “Modi’s arbitrary rule will not be tolerated.”
The event was marked by the sounds of drums and cymbals, accompanied by protest songs, reflecting the growing public dissatisfaction with inflation.
Rajesh Ram, the Congress state president, participated in the demonstration, accusing the government of neglecting the issues faced by ordinary citizens.
He pointed out that the recent hike in electricity tariffs, effective from April 1, along with increasing LPG prices, has placed a heavier financial burden on families.
With a sharp remark, he quipped that LPG, previously known as “Liquefied Petroleum Gas,” has now come to mean “Le Pao Ge?” (Will you be able to afford it?).
During the protest, Congress supporters also set fire to an effigy of the Prime Minister, holding him accountable for the escalating inflation.
Leaders such as Indradeep Chandravanshi and Kumar Ashish expressed that the public is severely affected by the rising costs and warned of a more intense agitation if their demands remain unaddressed.
Referencing the Ujjwala scheme, former MLA Pratima Das highlighted that the gas crisis has primarily impacted poorer women, who are now once again compelled to cook with traditional earthen stoves and cow-dung cakes (goitha).
This protest serves as a warning from the Congress party that if a resolution is not reached promptly, the agitation may escalate into a larger movement.