Kharge Criticises Centre Over Fuel Price Hike And Economic Policy Decisions

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the central government over the recent hike in petrol and diesel prices, accusing the ruling party of placing an additional financial burden on ordinary citizens while allegedly protecting large corporate interests. His remarks came shortly after state-run oil marketing companies raised fuel prices by around 90 paise per litre, marking the second increase within a week following a long pause in price revisions.

Kharge alleged that the timing of repeated fuel price hikes reflected a lack of sensitivity toward public hardship, especially at a time when inflationary pressures continue to impact household budgets. He argued that the government was effectively shifting the consequences of its policy decisions onto the common people, while failing to address core economic concerns affecting daily life. He also suggested that the price revision contradicted earlier assurances of stability in fuel costs.

In a strongly worded post on social media platform X, Kharge accused the government of “robbing the common people” while giving what he described as a “free pass” to industrial interests. Referring to businessman Gautam Adani, he alleged that the government’s policies were tilted in favour of select corporate groups. His comments were also linked to recent developments in a US legal case involving Adani Group executives, where charges were reportedly dropped, which Kharge used to question broader governance priorities.

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Kharge also raised concerns over India’s energy procurement strategy, particularly the continued import of Russian oil. He claimed that the government’s foreign policy positioning, including negotiations with the United States over sanctions-related issues, was inconsistent and damaging to India’s global image. According to him, such diplomatic decisions were being taken in a manner that lacked transparency and accountability to the public.

The Congress leader further criticised what he called a “lack of foresight and leadership” within the BJP, arguing that governance was being overshadowed by political messaging and publicity efforts. He said that true leadership should focus on addressing economic challenges faced by citizens rather than engaging in image-building exercises abroad. His remarks added to ongoing political tensions between the ruling party and the opposition over inflation, energy pricing, and economic management.

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