Opposition Criticizes LPG Price Cut, Calls it Another ‘Jumla’ by BJP. Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of a Rs 100 reduction in LPG cylinder prices, the Opposition has derided the move as yet another political gimmick by the central government.
Supriya Sule, an MP from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), speaking to ANI on Friday, labeled the decision to slash LPG cylinder prices by Rs 100 as a politically motivated move prompted by the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Sule questioned the timing of the decision, suggesting that it was made conveniently just before the announcement of elections.
She remarked, “I am not surprised at all. Look at the timing. They have been in power for the last 9 years. Why didn’t they think of this earlier? Just when the election, I mean it will probably be announced in the next 5 or 6 days, ‘yeh aur ek jumla hai’… It’s all political, it is from the heart at all.”
Sule also pointed out the difference in LPG cylinder prices during the tenure of their government, questioning why the current government couldn’t match it.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore echoed similar sentiments, referring to the reduction as another ‘jumla’ by the government.
In a social media post, Tagore commented, “On #WomensDay, Modi’s Jumla: LPG price slashed by Rs. 100! Now it’s Rs. 823… Just a little flashback: In 2014, Dr Singh (Manmohan Singh) gave a subsidy of Rs 600 and the price was 641 Rs.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the reduction of LPG cylinder prices by Rs 100 on International Women’s Day, stating that it would alleviate financial burdens on households, particularly benefiting women. He emphasized the government’s commitment to empowering women and ensuring ‘Ease of Living.’
Last October, the government increased the subsidy for 14.2-kg cylinders from Rs 200 to Rs 300 per bottle for up to 12 refills per year. This subsidy was applicable for the current fiscal year ending on March 31.
The announcement follows the Centre’s approval of extending the targeted cooking gas subsidy of Rs 300 per 14.2-kg cylinder to Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) beneficiaries for an additional year until the end of 2024-25, with a provision of up to 12 refills per year.