New Delhi, March 13 Opposition parties on Friday urged the Centre to take immediate steps to address the alleged shortage of LPG cylinders in several parts of the country, even as leaders of the ruling alliance backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and accused the opposition of misleading the public over the issue.
The reactions came a day after Modi criticized those "creating panic" over the LPG situation and asked state governments to enhance monitoring to curb black-marketing and hoarding of cylinders.
Addressing the NXT Summit here, Modi also said that due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, no nation has remained unaffected, but India is fully committed to addressing the challenge and is leaving no stone unturned to safeguard its energy security.
Shiv Sena leader and Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora backed the government and criticised attempts to politicise the issue, stating that the government has already explained India’s strategy to deal with the instability in West Asia and emphasised that creating panic is not in the national interest.
“When the Union government’s external affairs minister and petroleum minister have told the country through the floor of the House what India’s strategy is in the midst of the political and economic instability in West Asia and the ongoing conflicts there, politicising the issue and creating an atmosphere of panic and fear is not in the interest of the nation,” Deora told reporters inside the Parliament House complex.
“So today is the time for all political parties and all leaders to come together and focus on how we can convert this crisis and challenge into an opportunity. Their only objective is to mislead and influence the people of India in the wrong way,” he added.
Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) is one of the key alliance partners of the ruling NDA government at the Centre.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said there are serious concerns regarding LPG cylinders, especially in rural areas, even as he expressed satisfaction over the Centre reaching out to Gulf nations and taking initiatives to work for peace.
“Unfortunately, many households, particularly in rural areas, have shifted from cylinder to wood and coal. If cylinders are not easy to get, that becomes a real challenge,” he said, adding that restaurants in some places are shutting down due to the lack of gas cylinders.
“All I can say is, look, we are all in this together. The country must unite to ensure that these problems are overcome as quickly as possible. Five states are going to the polls, and those of us who have to campaign also need petrol and to travel around. The restaurants we go to are shutting down because they do not have enough gas cylinders.
“He (prime minister) is reaching out to all sides. Our foreign minister is also speaking to his counterparts in the Gulf countries. I am glad that India has taken some initiative to try and work for peace,” Tharoor said, adding that the conflict has serious implications for India’s energy security and the safety of nearly nine million Indians living in the Gulf countries.
Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said the government should focus on ensuring smooth supply on the ground.
“The real proof is the situation on the ground. If commercial establishments and domestic users are able to obtain gas on demand, there will be no panic. The government must focus on the supply chain and ensure adequate supply for both households and establishments,” he said.
Trinamool Congress leader Sougata Roy also expressed concern over the situation, saying students and hotels were facing difficulties due to the lack of LPG.
“The situation is really very bad. Students and hotels are all suffering due to the lack of LPG. Some immediate steps should be taken,” Roy said.