Congress Voices Strong Opposition to Fuel Price Hikes in Telangana
The opposition Congress party in Telangana vehemently criticized recent fuel price hikes, accusing the BJP-led government of exploiting election periods. The hike, coinciding with Assembly elections, is seen as a betrayal to farmers and middle-class citizens alike.
Highlights
- •Congress criticizes BJP for fuel price increase in Telangana
- •Criticism focused on timing during state elections
- •Charge that the Union government failed to procure surplus crop from local farmers
- •Mahila Congress pledges to initiate agitation if prices are not rolled back
Hyderabad: The opposition Congress party on Monday strongly denounced the recent hike in petrol and diesel prices, questioning the timing of the increase amid ongoing Assembly elections. Transport minister Ponnam Prabhakar criticized the move, asserting that the Union government deliberately delayed fuel price adjustments until the conclusion of election campaigns.
Policy Questions Raised Amid Public Fears
In a media statement, Prabhakar questioned the seriousness of the BJP's pledge 'Raitu Ghosa – BJP Bharosa' (Farmers' Distress – BJP Assurance). 'If the BJP genuinely cares about Telangana farmers, it must prioritize controlling fuel prices,' he stressed. Additionally, Prabhakar accused the Union government of failing to adequately procure harvests from local farmers, stating that the State Government's request for surplus crop procurement was denied by the Centre.
Addressing public concerns, State Mahila Congress president Errabelli Swarna threatened agitation across Telangana should fuel prices remain unadjusted. She warned that these hikes would disproportionately affect essential commodities, burdening the middle class with increased expenses.
The actions come after an increase in international crude oil prices, yet critics argue this excuse has been used as a pretext to push costs onto civilians. Given the current state of economic recovery, any rise in fuel prices is likely to dampen consumer confidence and potentially disrupt daily life for many families in Telangana.
