New Delhi, April 3 (IANS) Congress Lok Sabha MP Tariq Anwar, on Friday, hit out at veteran party leader Kamal Nath over his remark that there is “no gas or LPG shortage”, calling the statement disconnected from ground realities and reflective of a lack of understanding of the hardships faced by common people.

Speaking to IANS, Anwar said such claims were “laughable” and urged those making them to step out and witness the situation firsthand.

“Now who can explain this to him (Kamal Nath)? If anyone talks or argues like this, it’s laughable,” the Congress Lok Sabha MP said.

He stressed that the reality of the situation could only be understood by directly observing conditions on the ground.

“This is something that needs to be seen and felt. Just go and stand outside a gas agency shop, and you will understand whether there is a gas crisis or not,” Anwar added.

Highlighting the human impact of the alleged shortage, the Congress Lok Sabha MP said that common people were among the worst affected.

“Women are crying, saying that they are unable to provide food to their children on time. The children are going to school hungry,” he added.

Anwar also claimed that the fuel crisis extends across both domestic and commercial gas supplies, adding that rising prices have made it unaffordable for many.

“At the same time, whether it is commercial or domestic gas, there is a severe crisis today. Migrant workers are returning home due to the shortage of gas, because they feel this crisis will worsen,” the Congress Lok Sabha MP said.

He noted that for many low-income households, the cost of cooking gas cylinder has become unsustainable.

“The cost of gas is far higher than their income, and they cannot afford it, which is why they are going back to their homes and villages,” Anwar added.

He cautioned against making sweeping assertions without assessing the situation on the ground, saying such remarks undermine the lived experiences of citizens.

“So, if someone makes such claims or arguments without seeing or understanding the ground reality, it is wrong,” Anwar said.

Meanwhile, reacting to Congress leader Anand Sharma praising India’s diplomatic handling of the West Asia crisis, Congress General Secretary (Organisation) and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh said that differing views within the party underline its democratic character.

“This is another example that clearly demonstrates that in our country there is only one democratic party, that is the Indian National Congress,” Ramesh added.

On Congress leader Kamal Nath’s remark that there is “no gas or LPG shortage”, reiterating his point, the Congress Rajya Sabha MP said, “Another example is that the only truly democratic party is the Indian National Congress.”

The remarks come amid visible differences in views among senior Congress leaders on key issues, even as the party continues to emphasise its internal democratic functioning.

–IANS

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