Cong protests LPG shortage, targets Centre policies

Jaipur: The state Congress on Friday staged a protest at Shaheed Smarak against an alleged LPG shortage, accusing the Centre of policy failures that have caused hardship for consumers. The demonstration was led by state Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra.Addressing party workers, Dotasra said promises made ahead of the 2014 general elections — including controlling inflation, reducing unemployment and curbing corruption — remain unfulfilled. He alleged that the Centre's push to expand LPG access has faltered, with many households now struggling to secure timely refills. Dotasra claimed that long queues outside gas agencies and rising cylinder prices have worsened the situation for both households and LPG-dependent industries. He also criticised demonetisation and the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, alleging both caused distress without delivering expected outcomes. "The Modi govt has made people stand in queues for gas, CNG, and petrol-diesel, but the way gas cylinder prices are increasing, the inflation that will begin and the burden that will fall on people is worrisome," he said, adding that the Centre's policies and intent are flawed. Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully alleged that authorities are downplaying the crisis. He said people are struggling to obtain cylinders even as officials deny any shortage, and added that rising prices have increased the burden on the poor.