Patna, April 3 (IANS) Amid rising global tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, concerns over fuel supply and inflation have intensified political reactions in Patna, where the Congress party staged a protest over the alleged LPG crisis.

A large number of party workers, including many women, gathered at the Income Tax Roundabout to demonstrate against rising LPG prices and inflation.

In a symbolic act, women placed empty gas cylinders on the road and garlanded them to express their dissent.

Some participants also brought traditional earthen stoves (chulhas), highlighting the struggle of households forced to revert to older cooking methods due to rising costs and supply concerns.

Protesters raised slogans against the Central government, including “Remove BJP, Save the Nation” and “Modi’s arbitrary rule will not be tolerated”.

The demonstration featured drums, cymbals, and protest songs, reflecting growing public frustration over inflation.

Congress state president Rajesh Ram joined the protest and accused the government of failing to address the concerns of the common people.

He alleged that rising electricity tariffs — effective from April 1 — along with increasing LPG prices, have worsened the financial burden on households.

Taking a sharp dig, he remarked that LPG, once known as “Liquefied Petroleum Gas”, now effectively stands for “Le Pao Ge?” (Will you be able to afford it?).

During the protest, Congress workers also burned an effigy of the Prime Minister, holding him responsible for spiralling inflation.

Other leaders, including Indradeep Chandravanshi and Kumar Ashish, said the public is deeply distressed by rising prices and warned that the agitation would intensify if their demands are not addressed.

Referring to the Ujjwala scheme, former MLA Pratima Das noted that the gas crisis has disproportionately affected poor women, who are now once again compelled to cook their meals using traditional earthen stoves and cow-dung cakes (goitha).

Through this demonstration, the Congress party has issued a warning that if a solution is not found soon, the agitation could escalate into a massive movement.

–IANS

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