Congress burns Modi's effigy at Hazra Crossing in protest of rising LPG prices | Watch

The South Kolkata District Congress staged a major demonstration at Hazra Crossing on Thursday, protesting against the central government's recent decision to hike LPG prices. The protesters highlighted that the price of domestic cylinders has been increased by ₹60, while commercial gas prices have surged by ₹144. This sudden spike has severely impacted the common man and the hospitality sector, with many small hotels and restaurants reportedly on the verge of closure due to unmanageable operational costs.

During the protest, Congress leaders accused the BJP government of creating an "artificial crisis" under the pretext of the ongoing Middle East conflict. They pointed out the irony in Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri's claims of having "adequate fuel and gas stocks" while the ground reality reflects a severe shortage. The demonstrators alleged that the government is prioritizing corporate interests and international optics over the basic needs of Indian citizens.

The protest also took a sharp political turn, with speakers criticizing the Modi government's foreign policy. They alleged that the current energy instability is a direct result of "surrendering to international pressures" and failing to secure independent energy routes. Protesters held banners linking the Petroleum Minister's name to controversial global files, demanding transparency and an immediate rollback of the price hike to alleviate the financial burden on the middle and lower-income groups.