Jaipur, March 13 Leader of the Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly, Teekaram Jully, on Friday alleged that the BJP government in the state had become "invisible" amid the ongoing LPG crisis and demanded immediate relief for small traders, street vendors, and daily wage workers affected by the shortage.
Jully said that the government should provide immediate financial assistance and relief to small traders, street vendors, and laborers affected by the crisis, similar to the measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic by the previous Congress government.
"The deepening cooking gas crisis in Rajasthan has exposed the state government's administrative failure and lack of control over the situation," he said.
Jully alleged that the "double engine government" had run out of gas, leaving people across the state struggling for LPG cylinders.
Questioning the functioning of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Jully asked where he and the administration were when people were forced to queue up for cylinders.
He claimed that despite the worsening situation, those engaged in black marketing of LPG appeared to have no fear of government action.
The Congress leader also criticised statements made by BJP leaders, including state BJP chief Madan Rathore and former leader of the opposition Rajendra Rathore, who had said there was no gas shortage in the state.
"Such claims are surprising at a time when people are facing difficulties in obtaining LPG cylinders," he said.
Highlighting the economic impact of the crisis, Jully said it had hit the livelihoods of thousands of people, especially small vendors and transport workers.
He claimed that nearly 10,000 CNG auto-rickshaws in Jaipur had stopped operating due to the shortage.
"Affluent households can switch to alternatives like induction cookers, but small tea stalls, roadside vendors, and small eateries are facing severe difficulties as their businesses depend on LPG supply," he said.
He alleged that the crisis was affecting several parts of the state, including Kota and Bharatpur.
"In Kota, students preparing for competitive exams are facing problems in getting timely meals, while in Bharatpur, some community kitchens have been affected due to supply issues," he said.