Chandigarh, May 15 (IANS) Punjab Minister Aman Arora on Friday slammed the Central government over the continuous rise in fuel prices and inflation, stating that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government has pushed the common man, farmers and small businesses into financial distress while favouring a handful of corporate houses.

Cabinet minister Arora told the media here that the entire country “is witnessing the suffering caused by rising inflation despite the tall promises made by PM Modi before coming to power 12 years ago”.

“The Bharatiya Janata Party government has once again burdened common people, farmers and small businesses with rising fuel prices and inflation. The entire country is witnessing how people are suffering under inflation despite the tall promises made by PM Modi before coming to power 12 years ago,” he said.

Referring to the hike in fuel and Liquefied Petroleum Gas prices, Arora said, “Immediately after the West Bengal elections, the Central government increased the price of commercial Liquefied Petroleum Gas cylinders by Rs 943, dealing a severe blow to small businesses and traders.

“Along with this, the Centre increased petrol prices by Rs 3.14 per litre, diesel by Rs 3.11 per litre and Compressed Natural Gas prices by Rs 2. This is a shameful gift to the people of the country.”

He said the Bharatiya Janata Party only “remembers public welfare during elections but imposes economic burdens on people after securing votes”.

“The Bharatiya Janata Party talks about public welfare during elections, but after winning votes, it starts looting the hard-earned money of the people. These price hikes are being done only to benefit a few selected corporate houses close to the ruling party,” Arora said.

Targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party over its poll promises, he said the party had promised to deposit Rs 15 lakh into every citizen’s bank account, create two crore jobs and double farmers’ income.

“Instead of doubling farmers’ income, the Bharatiya Janata Party government has continuously increased the financial burden on farmers through inflation and rising fuel costs,” he said.

Highlighting the impact on the state’s farming sector, the Aam Aadmi Party President said the diesel price hike would directly hit agricultural operations during the paddy sowing season.

“Farmers require thousands of litres of water and fuel for irrigation during paddy sowing. The increase in diesel prices will directly affect their agricultural operations and increase their financial burden,” he added.

–IANS

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