Surjewala Criticizes Kumaraswamy's 'Doublespeak' Amid Rising Fuel Prices

Congress's Randeep Singh Surjewala criticized HD Kumaraswamy's 'land mafia' claims against Karnataka's Chief Minister as politically motivated 'doublespeak'. Meanwhile, he attacked the Centre for failing to lower fuel prices despite declining global crude rates, highlighting a significant price hike for petrol, diesel, LPG, and CNG in recent months.

In a sharp political exchange, Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala criticized Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy for his 'land mafia' allegations against Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, labelling the comments as political 'doublespeak'. According to Surjewala, Kumaraswamy's accusations stem from frustration over being sidelined by the BJP for the Rajya Sabha.

Surjewala further accused the Janata Dal (Secular) leader of shifting his ire from the BJP to the Congress government despite past cooperation. He noted, 'When Congress had the numbers, we supported Devegowda, but when it was the BJP's turn, they dismissed the alliance. Now frustrated with BJP, Kumaraswamy unfairly criticizes our CM and Congress.'

Turning to national economic issues, Surjewala condemned the Centre for the rise in fuel prices, alleging an unjustified increase in costs for petrol, diesel, LPG, and CNG despite a decrease in global oil prices. He emphasized, 'Crude prices have fallen by up to $24 a barrel, yet Indian consumers see no relief, suggesting petrol and diesel prices should drop significantly to reflect international rates.'