NEW DELHI — Opposition Members of Parliament, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, staged a protest inside the Parliament premises on Thursday over reports of a shortage of commercial LPG cylinders across parts of the country.
Women opposition MPs, led by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, sat on the ground with a mock brick cooking stove to symbolically highlight the difficulties faced by businesses and households amid the reported supply disruption. The MPs raised slogans against the government and demanded immediate action to address the situation.
Opposition parties have also called for a full-fledged discussion in Parliament on the situation in West Asia and its possible impact on India, including energy supplies and fuel availability.
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Rahul Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that he was avoiding addressing the House even as the country faces concerns over LPG supply.
“The Prime Minister is saying there is no need to panic. But he himself is panicked for completely different reasons,” Gandhi said.
He alleged that the Prime Minister was worried about developments related to the Adani case in the United States and the Epstein files. “He is not able to come inside the House. He is telling the country not to panic when he himself is panicked,” Gandhi added.
Referring to the Prime Minister’s absence during parliamentary proceedings, Gandhi said the Prime Minister’s chair in the House was empty on Wednesday.
“You saw yesterday that the Prime Minister’s chair was empty. He is telling the country not to panic but has panicked himself,” he said.
Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to the public not to panic amid reports of LPG supply issues. He assured citizens that the government would protect public interest and expressed confidence in managing the situation.
The reported short supply of commercial LPG cylinders has particularly affected the hotel and restaurant sector in several regions, raising concerns among businesses dependent on the fuel for daily operations. Opposition parties have urged the government to clarify the situation and take steps to ensure uninterrupted supply.
