Inflation Surge Sparks Backlash Against Modi's Fuel Hike

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government came under fire on Monday from AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge for the recent fuel price hikes in India. Kharge accused the Modi administration of lacking foresight and criticized the timing of the increase, claiming it was postponed to avoid negative impacts in recent state elections.

Kharge alleged that the government delayed raising petrol and diesel prices until after the assembly elections in four states and one union territory. He argued that this strategic postponement was intended to safeguard the BJP's electoral prospects. The elections concluded recently, with fuel prices surging shortly after.

The fuel price hike, the first in over four years, includes a Rs 3 per litre increase for both petrol and diesel. This comes amid the backdrop of mounting global crude prices due to conflicts in West Asia. Kharge emphasized that the rise in inflation is detrimental to the poor and vowed that the opposition would continue to raise this pressing issue.

(With inputs from agencies.)