Kharge slams PM Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ as ‘one-sided podcast’; accuses Centre of ‘robbing public’ over petrol prices | India News

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge

NEW DELHI: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has accused PM Modi’s authorities of refusing to decrease petrol and diesel prices regardless of a gentle decline in crude oil prices.
Kharge identified that though world crude prices have fallen by 34% since May 2014, petrol and diesel prices in India have stayed the identical, placing a pressure on the frequent folks.
Taking to X on Monday, Kharge criticised the BJP-led authorities for “robbing the public fearlessly” and fascinating in an “oil game” that fuels inflation. He questioned why gas prices had not been lowered, mentioning that the federal government had collected Rs 36 lakh crore in gas taxes over the previous decade.
“Modi Ji only tells his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ to the public through long one-sided podcasts… By engaging in the oil game, they make us cry tears of inflation!” Kharge posted, instantly concentrating on the PM’s weekly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’. He further demanded to know how long the BJP would continue “collecting ransom from the public.”

Petroleum minister hails the passage of the Oilfields Amendment Bill
Amidst Kharge’s assault, union petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri defended the federal government’s method, highlighting the latest passage of the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill 2024 in Lok Sabha. Puri mentioned the amendments would strengthen India’s vitality sector by making certain coverage stability, worldwide arbitration, and prolonged lease durations.
He identified that earlier, a million sq. kilometres of India’s sedimentary basin was a “No Go” space, resulting in elevated import dependence. By opening these areas for exploration, the federal government has inspired funding, with 76% of oil prospecting and exploration exercise now targeted in these newly out there zones. “This has sent positive signals to prospective investors,” Puri mentioned.
The new oilfields invoice replaces the earlier mining lease system with a petroleum lease, protecting exploration, prospecting and manufacturing. Penalty for violations has additionally been raised from a Rs 1,000 effective or six months imprisonment to a Rs 25 lakh effective. The central authorities retains management over lease laws and phrases.