JMM General Secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya stated that the party has organized sit-in protests at all district headquarters. In Ranchi, the demonstration was held outside Subhash Chandra Bose Park near the Kachahri complex. He alleged that while the central government has repeatedly claimed adequate reserves of petrol, diesel, LPG, and CNG, the public continues to suffer from shortages and rising costs, calling the situation a matter of serious concern.
The party further asserted that the increase in prices of small LPG cylinders directly impacts poor households and daily wage workers. It added that the rise in commercial LPG rates has also increased the financial burden on hotels, restaurants, and social events, accusing the central government of neglecting public welfare.
Reacting to the protest, Bharatiya Janata Party state spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo questioned the opposition’s stance, stating that instead of targeting the center, the state government should explain its own measures to control inflation. He argued that the additional value-added tax imposed by the state government on petrol and diesel should be rolled back to reduce prices. He further asked what steps the state administration has taken and criticized the food supply monitoring system, alleging that the government is effectively protesting against itself by ignoring its own responsibilities in price control.
Congress state general secretary Alok Dubey responded by stating that earlier the BJP and central government leaders claimed there was no shortage of gas in the country, yet supply of commercial gas had been disrupted. He further said that the state government is being asked to reduce taxes, while prices of essential commodities continue to rise. He added that inflation concerns are affecting the entire country and suggested that leaders from Congress, JMM, and the INDIA alliance, along with the BJP, should all take to the streets on the issue.
The statewide agitation highlights escalating political tensions in Jharkhand over inflation, with parties trading accusations over responsibility for rising prices and public hardship.
About The Author
Comment List