Kottayam (Kerala)

CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan on Friday said the hike in LPG prices showed that the central government had failed to shield India from the impact of the conflict in West Asia.

Speaking to reporters, he said the increase in the price of commercial LPG cylinders would ultimately affect households across the country.

His remarks came after state-run oil marketing companies revised LPG prices on Friday, raising commercial cylinder prices while leaving domestic cylinder prices unchanged.

“This is the impact of the ongoing war, which has affected people across the globe. The price hike is an example of the Indian government’s failure to effectively curb its impact,” he said.

Govindan alleged that such policy decisions were aimed at benefiting industrial monopolists.

“We expect there will be strong protests against this across the country. The central government cannot answer the public as it always favours capitalist forces, and such attempts have gained momentum under the cover of war,” he said.

Asked about UDF candidate P V Anvar’s claim that he would shave his head, wear earrings and walk through the streets of Kozhikode if he loses the Beypore seat, Govindan said Anvar need not shave his head as everyone knew he would be defeated.

He also asserted that the LDF would retain power when the Assembly election results are announced on May 4.

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Earlier in the day, Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi defended the hike, saying energy prices in other parts of the world should also be taken into account.

“Please check other parts of the world on how much prices have risen there. We could withhold to this extent,” he told reporters, declining further comment.