Kharge slams Modi Govt over fresh fuel price hike, questions Russian oil policy and priorities

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday sharply criticized the Modi government for raising petrol and diesel prices again just days after the last hike.

Accusing the Centre of shifting the burden of its failures onto the public while seeking foreign concessions, Kharge called the government’s approach a “Compromised Model.”

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In a post on X, he said, “It’s been only four days since prices were hiked, and the Modi government has raised petrol and diesel prices again.” He added that after preaching savings, the government is busy passing its failures onto citizens.

Kharge also condemned Modi’s plea to the US for a one-month extension to buy Russian oil amid Western sanctions, saying it undermines the pride of 1.4 billion Indians. He questioned why, despite being “allowed” to buy Russian crude, the burden of high fuel prices still falls on the common people.

Highlighting what he called a lack of vision and leadership, Kharge accused the BJP of prioritizing elections and corporate interests over public welfare. He urged the Prime Minister to focus on accountability and address real concerns rather than superficial PR.

The criticism comes as oil companies raised fuel prices for the second time in less than a week, influenced by global crude rates, currency fluctuations, and taxes. While India has increased imports of discounted Russian crude since 2022, the government states that energy security for its population guides decisions.

Fuel prices remain a potent political issue, with Congress blaming the government for not passing on benefits to consumers, and BJP defending its economic management amid global volatility.