BJP counters Rahul Gandhi, says Modi averted fuel shortage in India amid global crisis

The BJP has slammed Rahul Gandhi for his comments on fuel price hikes, accusing him of attempting to undermine the country with his "foolish, immature, and anarchic" remarks.

The BJP on Monday slammed Rahul Gandhi for his comments on the recent spree of fuel price hikes, accusing the Congress leader of attempting to undermine the country.

This response followed Gandhi's scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the latest fuel hike, in which he said 'mehangai manav' has struck again, stating that Modi's only role is to make promises during elections while attacking people's pockets at other times.

Petrol and diesel prices were raised by Rs 2.61-2.71 per litre on Monday, marking the fourth increase in less than two weeks as state-owned fuel retailers continued to pass on rising international oil prices to consumers.

Reacting sharply to Gandhi's remarks, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia called the Congress leader ''foolish, immature, and anarchic,'' alleging that ''the leader of the opposition is attempting to weaken the country.''.

Bhatia highlighted that oil and diesel prices have surged significantly worldwide; however, India's price increases have been modest in comparison, particularly when viewed alongside those in the US, UK, and Gulf nations.

''Rahul Gandhi, if your motive is to spread anarchy, we are also determined to make India stronger,'' the BJP spokesperson told a press conference at the party headquarters here.

He added that India is effectively addressing this global challenge under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasising that the country's economy is strong and that the people support the Modi government.

Bhatia claimed that petrol prices have risen by 58 per cent in Malaysia, 46 per cent in the US, 34 per cent in Canada, 25 per cent in China, and 20 per cent in the UK, while in India, they have only increased by 5.5 per cent thus far.

''For nearly 65 to 70 days, a war-like situation persisted, yet in India, petrol prices did not rise even by Rs 1. The primary reason for this was the government's intent that no burden should fall on the common man,'' he said.

Bhatia said the government took ''concrete steps'' in the interest of the people of India, while oil companies ''accepted'' the losses. It was ensured that the common people did not suffer, he added.

''Another important truth is that, even after 75 days, there is no shortage of petrol and diesel in the country, and these fuels remain available in the market. While there is a global crisis regarding gas, India has prioritised domestic gas, ensuring its availability,'' the BJP spokesperson said.

Bhatia mentioned that over the past 80 days, inflation has sharply increased in many countries, while in India it has remained around 4 per cent. This, he claimed, is proof of the effective management of the country's economy under Prime Minister Modi's leadership.

''Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge should see all this. It is not right to be blinded by hatred,'' he added.

Bhatia also criticised Gandhi over his reported remark that the Modi government will fall within a year, alleging that the Congress leader is talking about ''ending democracy and the entire system'' because he cannot come to power through democratic means.

''Rahul Gandhi, who is already the 'Bhasmasur' of Indian politics, has now become an astrologer and started predicting the future of the governments as well,'' the BJP spokesperson said.

''Rahul Gandhi is talking about the fall of the government, but, in reality, it is he who has fallen in the eyes of the people,'' he added.