Karnataka BJP Defends Minor LPG Price Hike, Compares to UPA Fuel Costs
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bengaluru, March 12 (NationPress) - B.Y. Vijayendra, the Karnataka BJP State President, criticized Congress leaders on Thursday for their protests against the recent rise in LPG and petrol prices, asserting that the current situation cannot be compared to the era when Congress was in power at the national level.
In his statement, Vijayendra described Congress leaders as “crying out” over what he labeled a minor increase in LPG prices, arguing that these prices were considerably higher during the tenure of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.
He referred to the former Prime Minister, the late Manmohan Singh, stating that during the UPA era, the leadership frequently justified economic decisions with the phrase, “money does not grow on trees.” Vijayendra contended that LPG prices were elevated during that time, even with stable global conditions and no significant conflicts in oil-producing regions.
In contrast, he highlighted the current global scenario, where multiple areas in the Middle East remain unstable, leading to disruptions in global energy supply chains.
Despite these challenges, Vijayendra praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him an astute leader, and credited him along with his Cabinet for ensuring access to oil and natural gas supplies through effective diplomatic efforts and decisive leadership.
He further criticized the previous government's economic management, alleging that it was marked by numerous scams and that India was classified among the “Fragile Five” economies during those years.
Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President, D.K. Shivakumar, stated that the disruptions in the supply of gas and petroleum products will be thoroughly discussed in the upcoming Cabinet meeting at the Vidhana Soudha.
A heated debate occurred in the Karnataka Assembly on Wednesday regarding the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, with sharp exchanges between the ruling Congress and the Opposition BJP, as the government urged the public to limit LPG consumption amid the ongoing global crisis.
K.H. Muniyappa, the Food and Civil Supplies Minister, mentioned that the state government has already engaged in discussions with oil companies, assuring that domestic consumers would receive at least one LPG cylinder for usage over a span of 25 days. "Having served as a Union Minister, I guarantee that domestic supply will remain unaffected," he stated.