Congress slams govt over steep hike in LPG price

Image
Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Mar 02 2017 | 9:22 PM IST
The Congress today hit out at the government over the steep hike in prices of LPG cylinders even as it mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's talk of welfare of the poor and asked if these were supposed to be "Achche Din".
"The ordinary Indian is being ripped apart by Modiji by midnight extortion as LPG cylinders hiked by Rs 86 and small cylinders by Rs 30.50. Are these 'Achche Din?'," Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said.
He said the "whopping rise" in LPG cylinder prices tells us that this "Suit Boot Ki Sarkar's" promises to the common man were "all gas and betrayal".
"The PM talks about the poor on one hand and on the other hand, proceeds to increase the price of LPG in one stroke to Rs 86 per cylinder which is unprecedented in India's history. Is this the way you are going to treat India's poor?" the Congress leader asked.
He said the facts tell their own story as in September 2016, a non-subsidised gas cylinder cost Rs 466, it now costs Rs 737.
"This is really the sixth increase by Modi government of Rs 271 or nearly 58 per cent," he said.
Surjewala said a Prime Minister who speaks about cashless and digital economy has now permitted banks to charge Rs 150 for over four transactions.
In 2015, the government permitted banks to impose a Rs 20 transaction tax after 5 ATM transactions and now PM has allowed banks can charge tax of Rs 150 on more than four banking transactions," he said.
He claimed if a poor man or ordinary person who draws Rs 100-200-500 for the fifth time, then a tax of Rs 150 would have to be paid.
"This is when the limit on withdrawal of money from your own bank accounts has not gone. Is that the way you are going to treat the people of this country," he asked.
The price of non-subsidised cooking gas (LPG) was hiked by a steep Rs 86 per cylinder last night, reflecting international trends.

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Mar 02 2017 | 9:22 PM IST

Next Story