Kharge slammed the central government over rising prices of essential commodities, accusing it of burdening citizens

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday slammed the Modi government, alleging that its economic policies have led to a surge in prices of essential commodities and services, burdening common citizens.
In a post on social media platform 'X', Kharge claimed that the government has "severely damaged the country's strategic and economic policies," and that the effects are being felt by "1.4 billion Indians". He said that there is a fear of a hike in prices of several essential commodities from today, which will affect households and small businesses equally.
Referring to specific sectors, Kharge pointed to the steep increase in commercial LPG cylinder prices and allegations of shortages at the ground level. He said, "From tea at roadside dhabas to mid-day meals, everything will be negatively impacted," indicating that the price hike could affect food services and welfare schemes.
He also mentioned the increase in air turbine fuel (ATF) prices and claimed that it would make air travel unaffordable for the poor. Kharge said, "Air travel has now become impossible even for those who used to rely on budget flying," and also criticized the removal of price caps.
The Congress leader further alleged that over 900 essential medicines have become costlier, raising concerns about the affordability of healthcare facilities. He said that "the cost of treatment has increased," and the prices of coronary stents have also gone up.
Kharge condemned the increase in toll taxes as "highway robbery" and mentioned the alleged 34 percent hike in speed post charges. Additionally, he said that the increase in prices of materials like plastic, steel, and ceramics will have multi-dimensional effects. He said, "PVC pipes used by farmers have become costlier, bitumen prices have risen by up to 50 percent, and the construction sector is under severe pressure."
Accusing the ruling BJP of ignoring crucial sections of society, Kharge said, "At a time when common people, farmers, laborers, and MSME industries are struggling and looking for relief, the BJP leadership is ignoring them and instead focusing on exploiting the public and profiteering during difficult times."
These remarks came amid an ongoing war of words between the opposition and the government over inflation and the cost of living. While opposition leaders have been consistently raising the issue of rising prices and their impact on the economy, the government has maintained that its economic measures aim to ensure long-term stability, control inflation, and promote growth across all sectors.
Just before the proceedings of Zero Hour began in the House, Mr. Kharge said that the government brings in bills and discusses issues whenever it wants, but when the opposition demands a discussion on any issue, it is rejected.
The Leader of Opposition said that he himself had given two notices under Rule 176 for a short-duration discussion, which were not accepted.
He further said that the whole world is worried about LPG and gas, but the government does not have time to talk about it, while prices are rising rapidly.
In response, Mr. Rijiju said that the concerned ministers have made statements in both Houses of Parliament, and the Prime Minister has also made a statement in both Houses on the situation in West Asia. Even during the discussion on the Finance Bill, most opposition members had spoken on the issue of LPG, to which the Finance Minister had replied in detail.
He said that India has handled the situation better and has taken the historic step of reducing excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 10.
The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs advised the opposition not to politicize the issue, saying that the leaders of opposition in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha (Rahul Gandhi and Mr. Kharge, respectively) did not attend the all-party meeting called on the issue.
This led to a mild war of words between the ruling party and the opposition in the House. Mr. Kharge responded by asking, "Where was your Prime Minister?" He said that if the Prime Minister's representative was present at the meeting, senior representatives of the Congress were also there.
In response, Mr. Rijiju accused the opposition of running away from its responsibilities, making contradictory statements, and abusing the Prime Minister day and night.