Congress takes a dig at BJP over price hike

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Congress on Friday vehemently criticized the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) for the surging prices of essential commodities.

The party underlined that the State government should have focused to increase the disposable income in the hands of the people of Assam. However, coupled with the Central government it has dented a blow to the pockets of the common man, said the Congress.

The statement highlighted that the retail inflation of the country rose from 4.06 per cent in January 2021 to 5.03 per cent in February 2021.

"The BJP government has taken a special liking to tormenting the common people. The issue of price rise is way more significant in Assam. While the BJP government has been completely incompetent in managing food prices in the State, it has also been negligent in listening to the demands of the common people," said INC (Indian National Congress) leader Alka Lamba while addressing a press meet here on Friday.

"The Double CM, Double Engine government seems to be adding double misery to the people of Assam," said AICC (All India Congress Committee) spokesperson Gourav Vallabh.

Further, the Congress leaders pointed out the following regarding the price hike situation of the State —

*The inflation rate on food and beverages in Assam has increased by 150 per cent between 2016-17 and 2019-20. When the Congress was in power, food and beverages' inflation was 2.1 per cent in 2016-17 that shot up to 5.5 per cent in 2019-20.

*An LPG cylinder in Guwahati today costs Rs 868. There has been a 46 per cent increase of Rs 274 in the 3 months. On 1st December, the cost was Rs 594.

*Petrol price in Guwahati today stands at Rs 87.69 per liter and diesel prices at Rs 81.92 per litre.

"The only correlation that the fuel prices have is with election dates. As soon as EC announced the election dates on February 26, the fuel prices only increased on February 27 and haven't increased since. The crude oil prices were $65.86 per barrel on February 27 and stood at $68.78 per barrel on March 15. So, the pricing is indeed dynamic - but not dependent on international crude oil rates but election dates," added APCC (Assam Pradesh Congress Committee) Media Department chairperson Bobbeeta Sharma.

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