The Congress party on Friday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi following a recent hike in fuel prices across the country, accusing the government of worsening inflation and putting additional burden on ordinary citizens.
Reacting to the increase in petrol and diesel rates, senior Congress leaders alleged that the Centre was indirectly benefiting from rising fuel prices while common people continue to struggle with higher costs of living. The party used strong language against the Prime Minister, claiming that “Modi ki vasooli shuru ho gayi hai” and even referring to him as the “inflation man,” saying that price rises have become a recurring feature under his leadership.
Congress spokespersons argued that fuel price hikes have a cascading effect on essential commodities, including food items, transport fares, and daily household expenses. They said that despite global crude oil prices being relatively stable in recent weeks, domestic consumers were still facing higher retail prices, raising questions about the government’s taxation and pricing policies.
The opposition party also demanded immediate intervention from the central government, including a reduction in excise duties on petrol and diesel. According to Congress, a cut in fuel taxes would provide direct relief to middle-class families, farmers, and transport operators who are most affected by rising costs.
In its statement, the party further accused the government of ignoring inflationary pressures while focusing on “headline management.” It claimed that repeated price hikes in fuel, cooking gas, and essential services reflect policy failures that are impacting household budgets across urban and rural India.
Meanwhile, government sources have previously defended fuel pricing policies, stating that international crude oil fluctuations, exchange rates, and revenue requirements of both central and state governments influence retail prices. Officials have also pointed out that India continues to maintain strategic fuel reserves and diversified import sources to ensure supply stability.
The political exchange comes at a time when inflation remains a sensitive issue for the public, especially with rising costs affecting transportation and food distribution chains. Analysts say fuel prices are likely to remain a key political flashpoint in the coming months.
The latest remarks from Congress highlight the intensifying political debate between the opposition and the ruling government, with inflation and fuel prices once again taking centre stage in national discourse.
