Kharge attacks Centre over rising prices of essentials, flags economic strain

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Centre over rising prices of essential commodities, accusing the government of economic mismanagement and burdening citizens with escalating costs.

In a post on X, the Congress chief said the government’s policies had “dismantled” the country’s strategic and economic framework, the impact of which is now being felt by 1.4 billion Indians.

Citing recent price hikes, Kharge pointed to increases in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) and commercial LPG, warning that the cost of several essential items is set to rise. “Commercial LPG cylinder prices are skyrocketing, while shortages persist on the ground. From roadside tea stalls to the Mid-Day Meal scheme, all are adversely affected,” he said.

He added that the surge in ATF prices would make air travel less accessible, calling it an “elusive dream” for the common man. Kharge also alleged that the removal of fare caps has further worsened affordability.

Raising concerns over healthcare, he claimed that over 900 essential medicines have become costlier, along with a rise in prices of coronary stents, adding to the financial strain on households.

The Congress leader also flagged increases in other sectors, including toll charges, Speed Post rates, and raw materials such as plastic, steel, ceramics, and bitumen. He said higher input costs have put pressure on construction activity, while farmers are facing rising prices of PVC pipes and other essentials.

“At a time when citizens, farmers, labourers and MSMEs are waiting for relief, the BJP leadership is focused on looting the public,” Kharge alleged.

His remarks come amid a broader surge in fuel-related costs. State-run Indian Oil Corporation recently raised prices of premium fuels, while aviation turbine fuel rates have more than doubled.

According to fuel retailers, ATF prices in Delhi have risen by Rs 1,10,703.08 per kilolitre — a jump of 114.5 per cent — to Rs 2,07,341.22 per kilolitre, marking the first time they have crossed the Rs 2 lakh mark.

Commercial LPG prices have also been hiked significantly. However, prices of regular petrol and diesel have remained unchanged across major cities despite rising global crude oil benchmarks amid tensions in West Asia.

The developments have intensified the political debate over inflation and the rising cost of living, with the opposition accusing the government of failing to provide relief to the common man.

With IANS inputs