Congress Protests Against Rising Fuel Prices in Maharashtra

Mumbai, May 28: The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee President, Harshvardhan Sapkal, led a protest on Wednesday against the recent hikes in petrol and diesel prices, which have occurred four times in the past eight days.

Sapkal stated to reporters that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has crippled the common man by significantly increasing the prices of petrol, diesel, LPG, and CNG. He accused Prime Minister Modi’s administration of exacerbating the struggles of citizens already battling inflation through these rising costs.

He claimed that petrol and diesel are unavailable, LPG cylinders are missing, and petrol prices are soaring, leaving farmers without fair prices for their produce while the public suffers. Despite this, the BJP government remains indifferent.

Sapkal further alleged that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is openly lying. He questioned why people are standing in long queues at petrol stations in the sweltering afternoon heat if the government believes there is sufficient stock of petrol and diesel. He insisted that if the government suspects hoarding, strict action should be taken.

Meanwhile, Shashikant Shinde, the state president of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction), warned that a significant statewide movement would erupt if injustices against farmers continue.

Speaking to the media, Shinde noted that recent protests organized by the opposition have clearly shaken the ruling government. He stated that if the Chief Minister dismisses their movements as “political stunts,” the government itself is responsible for forcing the opposition to take to the streets. He emphasized that anti-government sentiments are growing across the state.

Shinde highlighted that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has initiated aggressive protests statewide, demanding fair prices for onions and revisions to the current export policy. Major demonstrations, including road blockades and marches, have taken place in key onion-producing areas such as Chandwad (Nashik district), Sambhajinagar, Junnar, and Otur.

During these protests, several farmers and party workers were taken into custody by the police.

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