Chandigarh BJP President recalls Cylinder Crisis during Congress Regime

BJP Chandigarh State President Shri Jitendra Pal Malhotra has countered Congress President Mr. Lucky’s criticism of the central government’s recent ₹50 increase in domestic LPG cylinder prices. Malhotra accused Congress of hypocrisy, stating that they are now pretending to be the saviors of the poor, while in reality, they never cared about the underprivileged during their tenure ¹.

The Congress Era vs. BJP’s Initiatives

Malhotra highlighted the struggles of obtaining a gas cylinder during the Congress era, where people had to stand in long queues and seek recommendations from MPs and leaders. In contrast, the Modi government has spent ₹41,300 crore in 2024-25 on LPG subsidies, providing direct relief to the poor. The 2025 Union Budget has also continued to make generous provisions for the Ujjwala Yojana and direct benefit transfers .

Malhotra: Rebutting Congress’s Criticism

Malhotra dismissed Congress’s criticism of the ₹50 price increase as a “political stunt.” He emphasized that the minor hike is in response to global energy market fluctuations, while full subsidy support continues for the economically weaker sections. Malhotra posed a direct question to Congress, asking how many households received subsidized or free gas cylinders during their tenure.

He Stated BJP’s Commitment to the Poor

Malhotra reaffirmed the BJP’s commitment to dignity and accessibility for every poor citizen. He emphasized that the party’s mission, “Antyodaya,” is focused on uplifting the underprivileged, unlike Congress, which allegedly exploits the poor as a vote bank.

A Call for Accountability

Malhotra concluded by urging Congress to apologize for their past actions, which left poor women suffering in smoke-filled kitchens. He stated that Congress is unable to accept the real change brought about by the BJP, which is the root of their discomfort .