Rahul Gandhi Criticizes Government Over LPG Price Hikes and Ujjwala Subsidy Reductions
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the Modi government for rising LPG prices and reduced subsidies under the Ujjwala scheme, claiming these policies burden poor and middle-class families. He alleged that subsidized cylinders under Ujjwala have been cut from nine to four, while LPG prices have increased by Rs 89 in three months. Gandhi framed these as part of what he called the 'Modi model of loot,' contrasting government support for corporations with reduced assistance for ordinary citizens.
Congress leader and Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi issued a sharp critique of the government's energy and subsidy policies, alleging that 12 years of 'anti-poor economic policies' have forced millions of households back toward using firewood for cooking. He cited specific figures: the number of subsidized LPG cylinders under the Ujjwala scheme has been reduced from nine to four, domestic LPG cylinder prices have risen by Rs 89 over three months, and 5-kg cylinders used by migrant workers have increased by Rs 323. Gandhi accused the government of favoring large corporate borrowers while shifting economic burdens to ordinary citizens, framing this as a pattern of corporate loan waivers paired with reduced support for workers, farmers, and the middle class. The criticism comes amid global energy market volatility driven by Middle East conflicts, which have disrupted crude oil supplies and raised global energy prices significantly. The government has responded that domestic refiners have increased LPG production by over 60 percent to mitigate import constraints.
What's missing
The article lacks independent verification of the specific claims about subsidy reductions (9 to 4 cylinders) and price increases, as well as analysis of whether these changes reflect policy decisions or market-driven adjustments. Additionally, there is limited context on the actual impact of these changes on beneficiary households or comparative data on subsidy levels under previous governments.
How coverage differed
The Times of India article presents Gandhi's criticism with his full statements and specific allegations, while also including the government's counter-narrative about increased domestic LPG production and no shortage of petroleum products. The framing allows both the opposition critique and government response to be visible, though the headline emphasizes Gandhi's 'loot model' characterization.
What different sources said
- Times of IndiaCenter
'Modi's loot model': Rahul Gandhi slams Centre over LPG price hike, Ujjwala subsidy cuts
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