Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) has strongly criticised the central and state governments led by the Bharatiya Janata Party over the recent increase in fuel prices, alleging that the sharp rise has intensified the financial burden on citizens already affected by inflation.
Speaking on the issue, GPCC Media & Communication Department Chairman Amarnath Panjikar said that petrol prices have increased significantly in a short span, which he claimed reflects policy failure and a lack of relief measures for the public. He stated that ordinary households are facing pressure due to rising costs of fuel, cooking gas, food items, medicines, and other essentials.
He further remarked that the “double engine government” of the BJP—referring to the Bharatiya Janata Party Bharatiya Janata Party at both the Centre and in Goa—has instead become a source of additional hardship for citizens. According to him, the government has not adequately addressed inflation or unemployment concerns affecting the middle class, workers, and small businesses.
Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Panjikar questioned the lack of direct communication on rising inflation and urged clarity on measures being taken to control price escalation. He also alleged that greater focus is being placed on public relations activities rather than addressing domestic economic challenges.
The Congress leader argued that fuel price hikes have a cascading effect on transport costs and essential commodities, ultimately impacting daily household budgets. He said taxi operators, small traders, youth, and economically weaker sections are among the worst affected.
The GPCC has called for urgent intervention by the central government, including a reduction in excise duties on petrol and diesel, to provide immediate relief to consumers facing continued price pressures.
