The North News
New Delhi, March 12
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has criticised Narendra Modi, accusing him of appearing calm publicly while being “panicked for completely different reasons” amid concerns over a reported shortage of commercial LPG cylinders.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday after a protest by opposition MPs in the Parliament complex, Gandhi said the prime minister had urged citizens not to panic over the fuel situation while he himself appeared anxious.
“The PM is saying there is no need to panic, but the PM himself has panicked for completely different reasons,” the Congress leader said. He alleged the prime minister was worried about issues including the so-called Epstein files and a US case linked to the Adani Group.
Mr Gandhi also claimed the prime minister had not been attending proceedings in Parliament House, pointing to an empty chair in the chamber during recent sessions.
Several opposition MPs from parties including the Congress, DMK, TMC and SP staged a protest near Parliament’s Makar Dwar, demanding answers from the government over the reported shortage of commercial LPG cylinders.
Women MPs, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, sat beside a mock brick cooking stove and raised slogans against the government during the demonstration.
The opposition has also been calling for a full debate on the conflict in West Asia and its potential impact on India’s energy supplies.
On Wednesday, Modi appealed to citizens not to panic and assured them that the government would protect public interests. He said authorities were confident of managing the situation.
Commercial LPG shortages have begun affecting restaurants, street vendors and catering businesses across the country, forcing some to consider alternatives such as induction cooktops, microwaves, firewood or solar options.
In Delhi, some restaurant owners say they have only a few days’ supply left, raising concerns about possible temporary closures and the livelihoods of workers.
Officials and oil companies have said that domestic LPG supplies for households remain secure.
PTI Inputs
