Opposition leaders on Friday urged the Centre to take immediate steps to address the alleged shortage of LPG cylinders in several parts of the country, while ruling alliance members defended Prime Minister Narendra Modi and accused the opposition of spreading panic over the issue.
The political exchange came a day after the Prime Minister criticised those “creating panic” over the LPG situation and asked state governments to intensify monitoring to curb black-marketing and hoarding of cylinders.
Speaking at the NXT Summit in New Delhi, Modi said that the ongoing conflict in West Asia has affected countries globally but asserted that India remains committed to safeguarding its energy security.
Backing the government, Milind Deora, leader of Shiv Sena and a Rajya Sabha MP, criticised attempts to politicise the issue. Shiv Sena, led by Eknath Shinde, is a key partner in the ruling National Democratic Alliance.
“When the Union government’s external affairs minister and petroleum minister have told the country through the floor of the House what India’s strategy is in the midst of the political and economic instability in West Asia and the ongoing conflicts there, politicising the issue and creating an atmosphere of panic and fear is not in the interest of the nation,” Deora told reporters inside the Parliament House complex.
“So today is the time for all political parties and all leaders to come together and focus on how we can convert this crisis and challenge into an opportunity. Their only objective is to mislead and influence the people of India in the wrong way,” he added.
However, opposition leaders maintained that shortages on the ground were causing difficulties for households and businesses.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed concern over the availability of LPG, particularly in rural areas.
“Unfortunately, many households, particularly in rural areas, have shifted from cylinder to wood and coal. If cylinders are not easy to get, that becomes a real challenge,” he said, adding that restaurants in some places are shutting down due to the lack of gas cylinders.
“All I can say is, look, we are all in this together. The country must unite to ensure that these problems are overcome as quickly as possible. Five states are going to the polls, and those of us who have to campaign also need petrol and to travel around. The restaurants we go to are shutting down because they do not have enough gas cylinders.
“He (prime minister) is reaching out to all sides. Our foreign minister is also speaking to his counterparts in the Gulf countries. I am glad that India has taken some initiative to try and work for peace,” Tharoor said.
Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said the government should focus on ensuring smooth supply.
“The real proof is the situation on the ground. If commercial establishments and domestic users are able to obtain gas on demand, there will be no panic. The government must focus on the supply chain and ensure adequate supply for both households and establishments,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sougata Roy of the Trinamool Congress said students and hotels were facing hardships due to the lack of LPG cylinders and urged the government to take urgent corrective steps.
Follow us
