Oppn Spews Fire On Govt Over Fuel Price Rise

Nagpur: Opposition parties intensified protests across Vidarbha on Tuesday over rising petrol and diesel prices, accusing the BJP-led Centre and the Maharashtra govts of deepening inflationary pressure on farmers, transporters and middle-class families at a time when the kharif sowing season is approaching. In Nagpur, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) staged a cycle rally led by former Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh and city president Duneshwar Pethe. The protest culminated at the district collectorate, where party activists submitted a memorandum addressed to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis demanding a reduction in fuel prices and uninterrupted diesel supply for the agricultural sector. Deshmukh alleged that diesel shortages began affecting farming operations across parts of Maharashtra. "The farming season is at the doorstep, yet diesel is not available on time. Tractors are lying idle and agricultural operations are getting delayed," he said, warning that farmers already burdened by financial distress were being pushed into further uncertainty. He also claimed that the steady rise in diesel prices sharply increased transportation costs, resulting in higher prices of vegetables, foodgrains and other essential commodities. "The budgets of ordinary and middle-class families have been completely disrupted," Deshmukh said. The memorandum demanded an immediate reduction in state taxes on fuel and urged the state govt to press the Centre aggressively for measures to stabilise prices and improve fuel availability. Deshmukh warned that the agitation would intensify if corrective steps were not taken soon. In Amravati, Congress workers led by city president Bablu Shekhawat staged a separate protest against what the party described as an ‘Rs8 increase' in fuel prices within four days. Former mayor Milind Chimote and Opposition leader in the municipal corporation Vilas Ingole participated in the agitation. Congress functionaries alleged that rising fuel costs and fuel shortages triggered inflation across sectors and worsened the burden on farmers, labourers and salaried families. Protesters raised slogans against the PM Narendra Modi-led govt and accused it of failing to address public distress. The protests at both places come amid growing nationwide concern over inflationary pressure linked to fuel prices, global energy uncertainty and supply disruptions. In Maharashtra, the issue has acquired added political importance as parties attempt to mobilise public sentiment ahead of upcoming local body and Legislative Council elections. Political observers said opposition parties were trying to convert rising household and agricultural costs into a broader campaign against the Mahayuti alliance, particularly in rural regions where diesel remains critical for irrigation, transportation and farm mechanisation.The Fadnavis govt, however, has maintained that adequate steps are being taken to manage fuel supply and prevent panic buying. Officials have also appealed to citizens not to indulge in hoarding amid temporary disruptions.