Haryana Congress criticises BJP over increased LPG cylinder prices

Chandigarh: Haryana Congress president Rao Narender Singh on Saturday criticised the BJP govt over the rising prices of gas cylinders. He said that people already grappling with inflation were now facing a double blow as the hike in cooking gas prices had placed an unbearable burden on ordinary households.Rao Narender Singh said the recent hike in LPG prices had further strained household budgets. He recalled that before coming to power, the BJP had promised to provide gas cylinders at Rs 500, but the scheme had almost been discontinued. A poverty-line criterion was introduced, and even many poor families were forced to purchase cylinders at the regular market price, which had risen to around Rs 950.
He alleged that the decision was taken under pressure from the US, which he claimed was making undue interference in India's crude oil trade. The govt, he said, should understand the difficulties faced by the public and the growing economic burden on them.Rao warned that if the prices of cooking gas were not reduced, Haryana Congress would launch a massive agitation on the streets and would raise its voice against this injustice while standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the people.Meanwhile, the former president of Mahila Congress and Congress leader Sudha Bhardwaj also termed the increase in the LPG rate as another rude shock for the womenfolk of society. "All this is happening despite the claims that there are sufficient sources in the country. This increased price will have long-term impacts," she said. MSID:: 129215366 413 | Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Women's day wishes, messages and quotes !