Former Uttarakhand CM Harish Rawat slammed the government for rising inflation, calling it a 'policy failure'. He said it's pushing the poor to financial distress and accused the ruling party of promoting black marketing amid soaring fuel prices.
Rawat Slams Govt Over 'Policy Failure'
Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Harish Rawat on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the government over the ongoing surge in fuel prices and inflation, describing the current economic situation as a direct consequence of policy failure. Speaking to ANI, Rawat stated that the relentless rise in the cost of essential commodities is pushing the middle class, lower-middle class, and the underprivileged to the brink of financial distress.
"Inflation is at its peak, and this is the result of the failure of the government's economic policies. It is severely impacting the middle class, lower middle class, and the poor," Rawat said.
Alleges Promotion of Black Marketing
The former Chief Minister went further to allege that the government has failed to implement necessary control measures to check the rising prices. He specifically accused the ruling party of fostering an environment that encourages black marketing, citing the recurring issue of LPG cylinder shortages and price irregularities as prime examples. "Essential goods prices are continuously rising with no control measures from the government, and the ruling party is promoting black marketing, including that of gas cylinders," he added.
Fuel Prices Hiked Across Major Cities
His remarks come after petrol and diesel prices were increased across the country on Tuesday. In Delhi, petrol prices rose by 87 paise, climbing from Rs 97.77 to Rs 98.64 per litre, while diesel prices increased by 91 paise, moving from Rs 90.67 to Rs 91.58 per litre. Mumbai witnessed a hike of 91 paise in petrol prices, taking it to Rs 107.59 per litre, while diesel prices increased by 94 paise to Rs 94.08 per litre. In Chennai, petrol prices rose by 82 paise to Rs 104.49 per litre, while diesel prices surged by 86 paise to Rs 96.11 per litre. Kolkata recorded a 96-paise increase in petrol prices, pushing rates to Rs 109.70 per litre, while diesel prices rose by 94 paise to Rs 96.07 per litre.
This marks the second fuel price increase in less than a week. Earlier, the Centre had increased petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3 per litre each on May 15. The hikes come amid rising global crude oil prices linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime trade route. Brent crude prices have remained above USD 100 per barrel following tensions arising from the US-Israel-Iran conflict that began earlier this year. (ANI)
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