New Delhi, Apr 2 – The BJP and the Congress engaged in a heated debate on LPG and fuel availability, a day after the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reviewed the impact of the West Asia crisis on essential supplies.
On Wednesday, Modi called for a "concerted effort" to protect Indian citizens from the impact of the war in West Asia and emphasized the need for a timely and accurate public information system to counter misinformation and rumors.
The meeting was held to review the measures taken by ministries and departments in response to the West Asia conflict and to discuss further initiatives in that context, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office.
This was the second special CCS meeting on the issue, following the first on March 22.
The Prime Minister directed all concerned departments to take all possible measures to address the problems faced by citizens and sectors affected by the ongoing global situation, the statement said.
Amid concerns about fuel supplies and prices, the BJP asserted that the government was proactively managing the situation, while the Congress questioned the availability of LPG and petroleum products at the ground level.
Union Minister Prahlad Joshi accused the Opposition of spreading panic, stating, "People are trying to spread rumors. We are seeing statements like, 'Petrol and diesel will finish in two days.' This is not the reality. Other countries also have restrictions, but things are running smoothly here."
Speaking inside the Parliament House complex, BJP MP Dinesh Sharma said the Prime Minister is closely monitoring the situation.
"It is the responsibility and duty of a committed government, and the Prime Minister has discharged it effectively. At a time when the world is grappling with inflation and shortages, he is ensuring that fertiliser prices do not rise," he said.
"Exemptions have been granted on 40 petroleum products, and customs duties have been removed in several cases. A relief of Rs 10 per litre on petrol and diesel has been provided through duty cuts. This reflects the Prime Minister's efforts to keep prices under control," he added.
BJP MP Madan Rathore echoed similar views, stating that the Prime Minister is very cautious and has ensured sufficient stock and arrangements for all essential goods.
"Even today, supplies are coming. Our ships are arriving safely through Hormuz, and there are no problems. The Prime Minister has ensured that all essential goods are available across the country," he said.
Rathore also criticized the Opposition for their inappropriate language, stating that it is not in keeping with the spirit of democracy. "They are free to oppose, but their language should be measured. Their discourse has deteriorated into mere criticism," he added.
BJP MP Rajkumar Chahar said the government is ensuring that farmers are not affected.
"I would like to thank the Prime Minister, both as a member of Parliament and a farmer, for ensuring that farmers do not face any difficulties. Even during the COVID period, he ensured that farmers did not face any problems," Chahar said.
The minister in charge of fertilizers and chemicals has also held discussions with all states and assured them that there will be no shortage of chemical fertilizers across the country, he added.
"This crisis has not been created by India, and the entire world is facing it. People of the country should face it together. Modi ji is consistently working towards unity and ensuring that citizens do not face any hardship," he further said.
However, the Congress questioned the government's claims, saying the real test lies in ground-level availability.
"If there is no crisis, it should be felt on the ground. The consumer must feel confident. They should get LPG, petrol and diesel on demand, and if that is the case, then there should be no pressure, then whatever the Prime Minister is saying is true," Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said.
"But if the consumer is under pressure and feeling harassed, then the Prime Minister is not telling the truth," he added.
Congress MP Manish Tewari raised questions over diplomatic efforts, questioning how long the government will continue its "band-aid approach".
"What diplomatic efforts are being made to open the Strait of Hormuz? By reducing excise and removing customs duty, you can manage a contingency. How long will the government continue this band-aid approach? The government should answer when the crude oil and gas will come in adequate quantities until the Strait of Hormuz is closed," he said.
He said that many countries, including China, Turkey, and even Pakistan, are mediating and questioned what the Indian Government is doing diplomatically to stop the Gulf war.
Congress MP Ujjwal Raman Singh alleged that there has been a price hike in everything after April. “In the coming days, the prices of fertilisers, petrol and diesel will also be increasing after the elections are over,” he added.
“Only till the elections has this government held them back. I will say to the people of the country that this government has made no arrangements. They are only giving assurances, nothing else, no arrangement at all," he said.
