Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of urging the public not to panic over a reported commercial LPG shortage while being "panicked himself for completely different reasons" on Thursday. Speaking to reporters outside Parliament after an opposition protest, Gandhi claimed the PM is rattled by the Epstein files issue and the Adani case in the US, preventing him from entering the House.

Gandhi highlighted Modi's empty chair in Parliament the previous day, stating, "He is telling the country not to panic, but has panicked himself." The remarks followed a demonstration by opposition MPs, including Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, near Parliament's Makar Dwar, where they raised slogans like "Naam Narendra, Kaam Surrender" and "Modi ji, LPG" demanding government accountability on the shortage.

The LPG crisis stems from supply disruptions linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict, affecting commercial cylinders used by hotels, restaurants, and small businesses nationwide. Opposition parties have pressed for immediate relief measures amid reports of black marketing and price hikes.

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Gandhi's attack ties into broader political tensions during the Budget Session, where disruptions have stalled proceedings. He alleged Modi's avoidance of the House reflects deeper anxieties over international scrutiny on business tycoon Gautam Adani's US indictment and Epstein-related documents.

This exchange underscores escalating friction between the ruling BJP and opposition INDIA bloc, with Gandhi positioning the LPG issue as evidence of governance lapses amid external pressures. The government has yet to respond directly to the allegations.​

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