Bengaluru/Thoothukudi, May 15 (PTI) Terming the petrol and diesel price hike as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “gift”, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday said the country has come to a “tragic situation.” He also criticised the PM’s call for fuel saving, postponement of gold purchases, among other measures to spend wisely.
Petrol and diesel prices were hiked by Rs 3 per litre each on Friday, the first rate increase in more than four years, amid mounting losses of fuel retailers due to surging global crude prices in the wake of the West Asia conflict.
The increase comes 16 days after Assembly elections concluded in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
“Petrol and diesel price hike is Modi’s gift. He has failed in international relationships. He has not maintained a good relationship with anyone in the neighbourhood. Now he is asking people of the country to limit the petrol use, not to purchase gold, minimise edible oil consumption. How can it be stopped or limited,” Shivakumar asked.
Speaking to reporters here, he said, “It cannot be done. The country has come to a tragic situation. We have to save and protect this country.” People earn, and lead their lives accordingly. “No one can be controlled. It should be ensured that people lead their lives smoothly with whatever they have,” he further said.
Emphasising that the Centre is trying to shield people from the adverse impact of the conflict in West Asia, PM Modi on Sunday called for judicious use of fuel, postponement of gold purchases and foreign travel, among other measures, to strengthen the economy.
Alleging Modi has failed in international relationships, the Deputy CM said, “He could not manage well, he could not help. That’s the reason he has made a certain appeal to people, like he did during the Covid to light the lamp, ring the bell. It is not possible. How can I stop consumption of oil in my house? How can I stop using vehicle?” “The Prime Minister might have reduced his security to two vehicles, fine. Let others do it across the country,” he said, adding, “How can you say people should not travel outside? It is their pleasure their earnings. People travel with their earnings. It is very unfortunate (to ask people not to travel outside).” Further noting that every woman wants to have at least a gold chain for their Mangalya or Mangalsutra, Shivakumar asked how they can be stopped from buying gold for a Mangalya chain. “It is not fair.” Later, speaking to reporters in Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu, Shivakumar claimed that the BJP government at the Centre has failed in good governance.
To a question on Congress in Tamil Nadu joining hands with TVK to form the government, he said that was the policy of the party. “I don’t want to comment on it. My leader (Rahul Gandhi) has taken the decision. The DMK stood with us like a rock for the last 40 years. Now various issues. Let our party grow here,” Shivakumar said. PTI KSU SNR KH
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