Punjab: AAP lambasts Centre over fuel price hike

Punjab AAP leaders have criticised the BJP-led central government over fuel price hikes, blaming failed policies for pushing the country towards an unprecedented inflation crisis.

The Punjab AAP leaders on Tuesday criticised the BJP-led central government over the hike in fuel prices, alleging that the Narendra Modi government's ''failed'' foreign and domestic policies have pushed the country towards an ''unprecedented inflation crisis''.

The leaders said the Centre has ''weakened'' India's economic sovereignty and burdened ordinary people with rising prices of fuel and essential commodities.

Punjab AAP president and Cabinet Minister Aman Arora said that the soaring prices of petrol and diesel are a direct consequence of the Modi government's ''complete failure'' in policymaking at domestic and international levels.

''Despite making tall claims of turning India into a 'Vishwaguru', the Modi government has failed to secure the country's energy future. Over the last decade, fuel consumption has increased massively, but instead of strengthening domestic production and energy security, the Centre has increased India's dependence on imports,'' Arora said in a statement.

This is nothing but a ''total collapse'' of the Centre's domestic and international policies, he said.

Punjab AAP Chief Spokesperson and MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal alleged that the Centre has effectively ''handed over'' India's economic control to US President Donald Trump through trade and oil agreements with the USA.

''The AAP had already warned that fuel prices would rise sharply after India distanced itself from cheaper Russian oil under pressure from the United States,'' he said.

Criticising the BJP government, AAP MP from Anandpur Sahib Malvinder Singh Kang, said that ordinary citizens are paying the price for the Centre's ''failed'' foreign policy and political opportunism.

''The BJP government suppressed fuel price hikes during elections for political gains, but now the truth is coming out. The common man is suffering because of the Centre's disastrous policies,'' he said.

Inflation and unemployment are already at historic highs, and now increasing fuel prices will further crush the poor and middle class, he said.