Priyanka blames Centre’s policies for such early impact of West Asia crisis

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on 1 April blamed the Centre’s policies for what she described as the early impact of the West Asia conflict on India, hours after an increase in commercial LPG cylinder prices.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an election rally, she said the effects of the global crisis were being felt sooner than expected due to policy decisions of the government led by Narendra Modi.

“If Modi had kept the policies slightly balanced, and had not made the country a slave of America and Israel, then this situation would not have happened so soon,” she said.

LPG price hike backdrop

Her remarks came after prices of commercial LPG cylinders were increased by Rs 195.50 on 1 April, following a surge in global crude oil prices amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.

The price hike has raised concerns among businesses and consumers, particularly in sectors dependent on commercial LPG such as hospitality and small-scale food services.

Policy criticism

Priyanka Gandhi said that while the crisis has global dimensions, domestic policy choices have played a role in shaping its economic impact in India.

“There is indeed a global crisis, but we also need to understand that more problems could arise due to certain policies of the government,” she said.

She suggested that a more balanced foreign and economic policy approach could have mitigated the immediate impact on domestic fuel prices.

Political context

The remarks come amid ongoing election campaigning, where opposition leaders have been raising issues related to inflation, fuel prices and economic management.

The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has maintained that global factors, including geopolitical tensions and energy market volatility, are key drivers of fuel price movements.

Analysts have said continued instability in West Asia could keep crude prices elevated, potentially affecting fuel costs and inflation trends in India.

There was no immediate response from the central government to Priyanka Gandhi’s remarks.