JAMMU, May 15: Anirudh Sawhney, a leader of the Youth Congress, strongly condemned the continuous increase in petrol and diesel prices across the country, terming it another example of what he described as anti-people and anti-middle-class policies of the BJP-led NDA Government.
In a statement issued to the media, Sawhney said that at a time when inflation has already become unbearable for the common man, the Central Government has chosen to further burden the public instead of providing economic relief.
He stated that the BJP Government had come to power promising “Achhe Din,” lower inflation and economic prosperity, but alleged that the reality today is entirely different. According to him, BJP leaders had earlier protested strongly against even minor fuel price hikes during the UPA Government, whereas today petrol and diesel prices have reached alarming levels, directly affecting transportation costs, food prices and household budgets.
Anirudh Sawhney said that rising fuel prices have triggered inflation in every sector, increasing the prices of vegetables, ration, medicines, milk and other essential commodities. He alleged that despite fluctuations in international crude oil prices over the years, the Central Government has continued imposing heavy taxes on fuel, earning substantial revenue while ordinary citizens continue to suffer financially.
Targeting the BJP Government over its performance in Jammu and Kashmir, Sawhney said the people of the Union Territory were promised development, employment, investment and prosperity, but are instead facing growing unemployment, economic uncertainty and rising inflation. He claimed that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir feel betrayed as promises made by BJP leaders remain unfulfilled even after several years.
He further stated that truck operators, taxi drivers, transport workers, farmers and small traders are among the worst affected by rising diesel and petrol prices. According to him, farmers are facing increased transportation and cultivation costs, while small businesses are struggling to survive under mounting economic pressure.
Sawhney alleged that the BJP-led NDA Government has completely failed to control inflation and unemployment, resulting in frustration among the youth and financial distress among common families. He added that the weakening rupee, economic uncertainty and unemployment among educated youth reflect the failure of the Government’s economic policies.
Questioning the Central Government over continuously rising fuel prices and unemployment, he said people across the country are demanding answers as to why inflation remains uncontrolled and why every section of society — including farmers, transporters, traders and salaried employees — is being forced to bear the burden of economic mismanagement.
Condemning what he termed the “insensitive and anti-public approach” of the BJP-led NDA Government, Anirudh Sawhney said governance should focus on providing relief, employment and stability rather than publicity campaigns and slogans. He urged the Central Government to immediately reduce excise duties on petrol and diesel and take concrete measures to control inflation and support struggling families.
Sawhney asserted that the people of India, including citizens of Jammu and Kashmir, are closely watching the performance of the BJP Government and would give a strong democratic response at the appropriate time.