Mumbai, March 12 (NationPress) In the wake of the escalating Gulf war and a resulting fuel crisis, the Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) party targeted the BJP-led government’s so-called “gutter gas” initiative on Thursday, highlighting the stark contrast between the government’s optimistic projections and the grim economic reality.

As tensions rise between Iran and Israel, India’s economy is grappling with substantial pressure, with the rupee reaching an unprecedented low and emerging fuel shortages becoming increasingly apparent.

In an editorial published in the party's official mouthpiece, 'Saamana', the Thackeray faction criticized the Centre’s assertions that the Gulf war would have negligible consequences for India, describing this stance as a clear failure. Despite Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s reassurances just two days prior that the situation would not significantly affect domestic inflation, the evidence suggests otherwise.

The editorial pointed out that the ongoing Gulf conflict has incited assaults on oil refineries in Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, while Iran has obstructed oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a notable domestic crisis. “The Indian Rupee has fallen to a historic low of 92.33 against the US Dollar, coinciding with a plunge in the stock market. Indian agricultural exports are languishing at docks in Dubai and Kuwait due to export complications. The automotive and pharmaceutical industries are facing looming crises, and in Maharashtra, close to 1,000 foundry businesses are on the verge of closure due to gas shortages. Reports indicate that around 40 percent of restaurants in Mumbai have shut down due to a commercial gas deficit,” the editorial stated.

The editorial sharply condemned Prime Minister Modi’s government for its inaction and criticized his focus on election campaigning in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal, all while a major crisis brews. It referenced a controversial remark attributed to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, claiming that “President Trump permitted India to procure Russian oil solely because the Prime Minister 'acts' as instructed.”

“This remark from the White House is a disgrace and a condemnation of India. It implies that Prime Minister Modi is merely following American directives. No Prime Minister has ever subjected the country to such humiliation,” the editorial asserted.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena remarked, “The government has already pursued research to navigate the current energy and gas crisis to mitigate shortages. Gas can be produced by utilizing pipes in gutters (sewers), which can then be employed to light household stoves. PM Modi has unveiled this innovative project in India, and to tackle the global fuel crisis, 'gutters, drains, and plastic pipes' will now be of utmost importance.”

The Thackeray camp mocked the Centre, stating, “Numerous nations will have to construct gutters and drains instead of oil wells, and India will spearhead this initiative. Puddles, gutters, and even rivers have transformed into drains across India; thus, there will be no fuel crisis. A significant gas production project could be established on the banks of the Mithi River in Mumbai. The Mayor should not hesitate to invite PM Modi and CM Fadnavis for the inauguration of this project.”

The editorial hinted that the government might depend on the Prime Minister’s previous “research” concerning fuel extraction from gutters and drains as a solution to the energy crisis. It humorously noted that while the world is concerned about oil wells, India’s abundance of stagnant pools and polluted rivers ensures its leadership in “gutter gas” production.