Shiv Sena (UBT) on Monday launched a scathing attack on the central government over the increase in the prices of CNG and gas. The party termed it a 'cruel Diwali gift' to citizens who are already struggling with drought and inflation.
In an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana', the Thackeray faction alleged that the government was pushing the common people into a huge economic crisis, while Maharashtra was currently battling drought and rampant inflation.
The editorial has mentioned the serious situation facing common citizens and farmers across Maharashtra. It said, “The entire Maharashtra is in the grip of severe drought.
There is no crop in the farmers' fields and there is no money left in the pockets of the common people. People were saving their little savings in the hope that they would be able to bring some happiness in the lives of their children on Diwali. But, the increase in the prices of CNG and commercial LPG by the government has dashed even these remaining hopes.”
The editorial asked, “Do those in power want the public not to celebrate Diwali this year?”
The financial burden on the common man has been mentioned in detail in the editorial. “In the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), CNG prices have been increased by Rs 1 per kg, the sixth time in the last six months, while commercial LPG cylinder prices have been increased by Rs 10,” it said.
Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena mocked the government's defense of not changing domestic cylinder prices. He said the increase in commercial gas prices directly increases the cost of eating out, hotel and restaurant food and snacks and sweets purchased from the market for Diwali.
He reminded that in May, the prices of commercial cylinders were increased by a huge Rs 1,000. The minor cuts that followed were just a fluke, as prices are rising again.
The editorial highlighted growing economic pressures due to global and domestic factors. “Due to drought conditions and the Iran-US conflict, food inflation has reached a high of 7.74 per cent. Prices of daily essentials, pulses and cereals have increased so much that they now appear like luxury items,” it said.
Due to the decision of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to increase the repo rate, the interest rates have gone up, due to which the EMIs of all types of personal loans and mortgages (home loans etc.) have become expensive.
Taking aim at the political leadership, the Thackeray faction criticized the government's dual attitude.
He said, “In five states, the prices of fuel and other essential commodities were artificially kept in check till the end of the elections to serve their political interests. Now, the 'inflation horse' has gone out of control. The rulers who claimed to keep fuel prices under control despite global tensions like the Gulf War, have become completely careless about inflation after the elections.”