Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee President YS Sharmila launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi following a significant increase in commercial gas cylinder prices. She accused the Prime Minister of habitual behavior where he courts voters during elections only to impose a heavy financial burden on the public immediately afterward. Sharmila sarcastically remarked that such a “great feat” of price hikes deserves to have PM Modi’s name written in gold letters in the nation’s museums.
Detailing the impact of the hike, Sharmila noted that the price of a commercial gas cylinder was raised by ₹993 at once, while 5 kg cylinders saw an increase of ₹549. She claimed that a total hike of ₹1,513 within just six months is unprecedented in the country’s history, reflecting an 80% price increase within a single year. She mocked this as the “biggest gift” the central government has given to the citizens following the elections in five states.
Sharmila further emphasized that this decision breaks the back of the common man, migrant workers, and students, while severely affecting tea stalls and small hotel owners. She questioned the central government’s logic in shifting the burden to the public now, despite having reaped profits when global oil prices were lower. On behalf of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Party, she demanded an immediate withdrawal of the increased prices to provide relief to the struggling population.
