Congress Leader Slams Government Over Rising Prices, Calls it 'Post-Election Gift'

Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Narendra Modi-led Central government over the recent rise in prices of fuel, LPG cylinders , and essential commodities, alleging that the burden of inflation was intentionally imposed on people immediately after the completion of Assembly elections in five states. In a strongly worded statement, Gogoi said he had earlier warned that once the elections were over, the Centre would shift the burden of rising prices onto the common people. “What I had predicted has now come true, word for word,” he remarked. Referring to the recent hikes in various sectors, the Congress leader claimed that the increase in prices reflected the “failure” of the government and described it as a “post-election gift” to the people of the country. According to Gogoi, the prices of several essential commodities and services have increased shortly after the elections. He cited a rise of Rs 99 in commercial LPG cylinders, Rs 261 in small 5-kg cylinders, a Rs 2 per litre increase in milk prices, a 15 percent increase in import duties on gold and silver, a Rs 3 hike each in petrol and diesel prices, a Rs 2 increase in CNG prices, a 38 percent rise in tomato prices, and a 2 percent increase in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meal costs. The APCC chief alleged that despite large-scale election campaigns and attempts to project austerity measures such as reducing convoy vehicles after the polls, the government could not hide what he termed its “economic failure.” He further said that ordinary citizens in Assam and across India were being forced to bear the burden of rising costs at a time when household expenses were already under pressure. Calling the situation unfortunate, Gogoi urged the government to take immediate measures to provide relief to the public from inflation and rising living costs. The statement comes amid continuing political exchanges between the Congress and the ruling BJP over inflation, fuel prices , and the broader economic situation in the country.