BJP Government Labeled ‘Anti‑People’ Over LPG Price Hike, Says Yathindra

When the Ministry of Petroleum announced the latest increase in LPG cylinder prices, many households across the country felt the pinch. But for Yathindra, a seasoned opposition voice, the hike was more than just a price adjustment – it was a stark reminder of what he calls the government’s “anti‑people” agenda.

“Instead of easing the burden on the common man, the BJP is looking at its own coffers,” Yathindra told reporters outside the legislative assembly on Tuesday. “Every rupee they add to the tax box is a rupee taken from the kitchen of a middle‑class family.”

He went on to point out that the timing of the hike, just ahead of the festive season, could trigger a wave of dissatisfaction. “People are already grappling with soaring food prices, rising fuel costs and now an even costlier LPG bill. It feels like a calculated move to boost revenue, not to protect the public,” he added, his tone mixing frustration with a hint of weary resignation.

The opposition leader didn’t stop at criticism. He urged the central government to reconsider the decision, suggesting a temporary rollback or a targeted subsidy for low‑income families. “If the government truly cares about the welfare of its citizens, it will find a way to shield the vulnerable from this shock,” he argued.

Supporters of the ruling party, meanwhile, defended the increase as a necessary step to align with global crude oil prices and to curb the fiscal deficit. They claim that the additional revenue will be channeled into infrastructure projects and social schemes.

Yet Yathindra remains unconvinced. “Talk of development means little when the basic needs of people are compromised,” he concluded, before walking away, leaving behind a lingering question about the balance between fiscal policy and public welfare.