‘LPG price reduction is election drama’

The recent announcement by the Narendra Modi-led government to reduce the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders by Rs 100 has drawn sharp criticism from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM). Terming it as mere “election-time drama,” K Balakrishnan, the state secretary of CPM, expressed disappointment over the government’s decision, asserting that it falls short of addressing the concerns of the public. In a scathing statement issued on Friday, Balakrishnan highlighted the discrepancy between the government’s promises and its actions, particularly in the context of the recent state elections held in December. He emphasized that if the Modi government truly prioritizes the welfare of the public, it should fulfill its pre-election promise of reducing LPG cylinder prices to Rs 500. Balakrishnan further criticized the timing of the announcement, coinciding with International Women’s Day, suggesting that Prime Minister Modi’s gestures towards women are often politically motivated and lack sincerity. The CPM leader condemned the Modi government’s track record of consistently hiking LPG prices and imposing taxes, which disproportionately burden the poor and middle-class citizens. He described the nominal reduction of Rs 100 as insufficient and accused the government of exploiting the public for financial gain. Drawing attention to the substantial increase in tax revenue generated from petroleum products over the years, Balakrishnan underscored the government’s failure to alleviate the financial strain on the populace despite its substantial earnings. Moreover, Balakrishnan pointed out the irony of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) past opposition to rising LPG prices while in opposition, contrasting it with their indifference to public outcry during their tenure in power.