Bhubaneswar, May 16: Amid long queues at fuel stations across Odisha, the opposition party Biju Janata Dal (BJD) launched a sharp attack on the central and state governments led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The BJD accused the government of forcing the public to wait in lengthy lines to refuel their vehicles.
During a press conference, regional party leaders claimed that the BJP’s “double-engine government,” referred to as the “queue government,” has once again compelled citizens to stand in hours-long lines for fuel, reminiscent of the scenes witnessed during the demonetization period outside banks.
Blaming the state’s food supply and consumer welfare department for the alleged fuel crisis, BJD leaders stated that this unannounced disaster is a result of the BJP government’s aimless and shortsighted governance.
BJD Vice President Sanjay Kumar Das Burma remarked that while citizens are forced to queue on the streets due to the fuel crisis, the food supply and consumer welfare minister falsely claimed that there is no problem and that sufficient fuel stocks are available. However, the ground reality tells a different story.
Das Burma stated, “All of Odisha is grappling with a fuel crisis, yet instead of addressing the issue, the state government is engaged in false propaganda. Rather than focusing on solutions, the government is busy holding high-level meetings in the secretariat about how to celebrate its second anniversary.”
He further noted that the recent increase in fuel prices by ₹3 per liter is adding to the economic burden on the people, likening it to “adding salt to the wounds.”
Das Burma pointed out the contradiction between the food supply and consumer welfare department secretary’s assertion of ample fuel stocks and the supply minister’s claim that fuel reserves will last only 13 days, indicating a lack of coordination between the ministers.
BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty mentioned that when the BJP was in opposition, it demanded a reduction in VAT and the inclusion of petrol and diesel under the Goods and Services Tax (GST). However, after coming to power, the party has failed to fulfill these promises, exposing its “double standards.”
Mohanty also alleged that despite a global decline in crude oil prices in the past, fuel rates were not reduced. The recent ₹3 hike seems aimed at safeguarding the profits of oil companies.
Meanwhile, the opposition party Congress has also criticized both the state and central governments regarding the fuel crisis and the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices by ₹3 per liter.
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My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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