LPG crisis, foreign policy ‘failure’: Punjab assembly OKs resolution condemning Centre

Chandigarh: Punjab assembly on Thursday passed a resolution condemning the BJP-led Centre for its "failed foreign and energy policies" and demanded that it take emergency measures to normalise supply of LPG, reduce prices of domestic and commercial cylinders, and ensure India's energy security."The resolution — moved by food, civil supplies and consumer affairs minister Lal Chand Kataruchak — says India is facing a severe crisis due to the "failure" of the Centre's foreign policy and "unbalanced energy strategy". Reading out the resolution, Kataruchak said, "The current situation in India is not merely the result of international circumstances but is largely due to the weak, inconsistent, and directionless policies of central govt. Today, India's energy security faces a serious threat.""Small restaurants, dhabas, and hotels are facing long delays in obtaining LPG cylinders, and struggling to continue operations. For households, the rising prices of domestic gas cylinders are a direct burden," he said."Instead of reassuring citizens, central govt is raising gas prices, which indicates an attempt to conceal the severity of the crisis. It raises questions on whether India's foreign policy is being shaped by select corporate interests and if the country's energy security is compromised as a result," he added.Both BJP MLAs — Punjab BJP working president Ashwani Sharma and Jangi Lal Mahajan — were not present in the assembly during the discussion. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) benches were vacant too. Sharma and Mahajan could not be contacted for comment. Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar said, "These resolutions have no bearing at all. They have nothing to do with the people of Punjab. They have passed a resolution saying there is dearth of LPG. On the other hand, chief minister Bhagwant Mann is putting out a post saying he has directed deputy commissioners across Punjab that there should be no dearth of LPG. This govt is trying to create panic, which is against national interests as everybody would start hoarding and create shortages."The resolution seeks a transparent policy prioritising India's national interests and asks that special assistance be provided immediately to small businesses and ordinary consumers affected by this crisis. "The House expects that, to prevent such situations in the future, India's foreign and energy policies are restructured to ensure national and economic stability while safeguarding the needs of the common people," it says.Speaking on the resolution, cabinet minister Aman Arora said India's foreign policy lacked clarity on allies and enemies, leaving the country vulnerable in energy, security, and global diplomacy.Finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, "Our foreign policy under PM Narendra Modi is so fragile that we are constantly intimidated by foreign powers. Whether it was the intervention via a mere tweet during past border tensions or the absolute silence on recent casualties in Iran, Union govt proved that it lacks the spine to stand up for India's strategic interests. We will not allow BJP to turn India into a subservient market for the US, nor will we let them enslave the people of this country."AAP MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said the country was "sold out". "Trump is running the country, Modi is running BJP, and our people are suffering. Thousands became unemployed, restaurants shut down, and gas is unavailable. Our citizens need answers," he said."Punjab BJP leaders must explain where the country will get its oil after supplies from Russia run out 40 days from now. Will America decide for us?" he asked.Supporting the resolution, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa criticised the Centre's foreign policy, holding it responsible for the emerging energy crisis. The Congress lawmaker said that during the tenures of former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Manmohan Singh, India enjoyed strong influence among developing nations and was widely regarded as a leader of the third world. He alleged that current govt's policies weakened ties with neighbouring countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.He also noted that India's energy needs were long supported by Russia and Iran, which "earlier allowed oil trade in Indian rupees instead of dollars to support India's economy."